Tuesday, May 03, 2011

MLA, Critics React To Prison Plan

 Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM  Tuesday, 03 May 2011 16:25
The local MLA admits the decision by Lumby council to pursue a provincial prison, puts him in a difficult position. Eric Foster says council is "doing the right thing" by moving ahead after 56 percent of Lumby residents supported the plan in a referendum.  "But at the same time, the people of Area D did not support it, so it makes it a little difficult for me, but we'll deal with the village's request first, and see where it goes."  Lumby will be sending a letter of interest to the Solicitor General. Foster --who lives in Lumby--says the opposition in Area D (66 percent against, voter turnout 52%), could be a factor when the province makes a decision on a site.  "It's certainly a consideration for me as the representative, and I'm sure it will be for the solicitor general's office. There's a myriad of things that have to put into the equation here."  Penticton and Summerland are also interested in the 360 cell minimum security jail.
Foster declined to comment when asked how he voted in the referendum.  Lumby opposition group spokesman Randy Rauck says council is ignoring a majority of the area residents.  "Many of the people that didn't want it didn't come out to vote, so we're very confident that if everybody would have voted there would have been a stronger majority against this prison."  Rauck says the community is too small for such a facility, and he thinks a larger city would be a better site for it.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

As councillor, Kevin Acton was elected only by village residents. Same as Mayor. To pretend any different, before or after the referendum, would have been silly.

No surprise that the Village is not taking into account Area D's opinion on the prison.

But isn't the Village at all concerned that the 2,800+ residents of Area D could voice their opinions in a way that *will* be heard?

Who shops in Lumby, who volunteers in Lumby, who works in Lumby, who goes to school in Lumby, and who supports the Village of Lumby - only village residents?

Area D residents could choose to drive right through Lumby and on to Vernon to do their grocery shopping, fill up their gas tanks, join a service club, etc.

Perhaps a few more will do so now. Welcome to Vernon!