Following the 67% majority vote against the prison proposal, residents expected a complete and unconditional retraction of the city's bid for this project.
Unfortunately, Councilor Pearce saw fit to make an expanded motion (during an opportunity to voice comments) to retract the City's bid as well as add a clause to the effect that the city would also support bids
in neighboring communities if highest economic benefit to Penticton could be proven. Mayor Ashton did not see fit to intervene in this situation and simply let the motion be voted upon and carried, then shared with us his wish for "the community to heal". Numerous individuals asked for clarifications at the end of the meeting but few answers were given - we were apparently worried for no good reasons. For those interested in witnessing these moments, they are available for on line viewing on the City's web site, with relevant footage starting at 0:55:12): http://www.penticton.ca/video/2011-06-20.wmv
Penticton electors have recently been treated to a further peculiar decision by City Council to extend services to the Penticton Indian Band IR2 lot, immediately adjacent to the lot in the retracted bid from the City of Penticton and currently the subject of the band's bid for the prison. A prison was not excluded from prospective land uses on this site before the agreement was signed. Yet another decision where there is no need to worry?
The people of Penticton spoke decisively about not wanting this institution located within city limits. By extension, this should preclude our city services from being used by the same institution on adjacent land.
Do the particular wishes of Mayor Ashton, and Councilors Sentes, Jakubeit, Pearce, and Vassilaki therefore override those of the electorate? It is time to consider a strong and strategic vote on November 19.
Collectively, we can do better!
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