This is where cold hard facts give way to the hottest of takes, mostly mine I suppose. I’m the editor, Marshall Jones.

Want to include yours? Listen, this isn’t the comment section, this isn’t social media. Discussion and debate requires context and a wee bit of bravery — we need your name and where you’re writing from. Include it in your account or email me anytime.

A lot happened over the weekend in municipal races throughout our coverage area, a lot of surprise upsets, particularly in mayoral races. I want to know what surprised you the most.

But first, can we just pause for a moment to recognize the people who devoted four years of their lives for the betterment of their community, whether they were re-elected or not?

Yes, all of them, even and especially the ones you disagree with.

Councillors and trustees are never compensated enough for their sacrifices of their time and effort, let alone those of their families.

These terms used to be three years long, now they’re four. Most would agree more gets done in four, but that’s a major life commitment.

These days, they have to perform for a confused live audience fuelled and agitated by culture wars, conspiracy theorists and social media firing squads of dimwits who watch too much TV, let alone what AI may bring.

But what do they actually get? Perhaps it’s my fault for going on social media, but mostly I see so many people dance on graves, being exceptionally rude for no reason.

Well, forget those losers, I see you. I appreciate you and I, for one, thank you for your service.

What did you take away from this election? Email me at mjones@infonews.ca.

Mj
Marshall Jones
Managing Editor

iN RESPONSE

iN RESPONSE to Monday’s newsletter opinion editorial on municipal election social media rudeness

Thank you Marshal for the kind tribute to our council.
What surprised me was the relatively small turn out given the media hype.

— Jonathan McCormick

Regarding the election, I went from my four hour work shift by free bus to the Lakeside to vote in the advance poll.
I got to walk along Ellis and discover that heritage house that really should be better looked after.
I voted for a positive if ouside candidate for MLA and enjoyed a complimentary cup of citrus water.
I stayed one night in the Lakeside when I returned to Penticton an unemployed and homeless broken man.
After voting, I walked to Main and treated myself to a soda from a food truck then caught a bus to the convention center where I patiently stood in line to vote.
I missed lunch and dinner at the shelter because of my job and voting, cafe staff had given me a lunch bag and I shopped a bit after work.
I eventually voted my conscience and happily for one candidate. I filled out the whole ballot correctly despite a lack of information on most or all candidates.
I left after voting and walked back to the shelter.
What excuses do the non-voters have?
I am disappointed in my fellow voters who voted for Dan Ashton or any incumbent candidates.

— Patrick McCall Simpson Longworth

This election has summed up social media perfectly. For months people ran their mouths online. “Vote out the hateful 8” etc etc. But when it came time to put their money (or in this case their vote) where their mouth was, they failed to show up. I think we had a good mix of candidates, even one Pivot member to keep it interesting. Only time will tell, although after the past 4 years of shenanigans, I think it’s safe to say it will be an improvement.

— Gregory A. Livingstone

B.C. judge rules ‘faint hope’ parole ban for some killers breaches section of Charter

The defence can fly this charter challenge and they may even get a win on the charter challenge. The likelihood of Abhijeet Singh, Gurkaran Singh, and Khushveer Toor ever successfully applying for early parole under the faint hope clause is ….. ZERO.

— William Mastop via iNFOnews.ca

‘Really cool’: Kamloops grad student leads ground-breaking study on rubber boas

These cute little snakes are often seen on Mount Rose Swanson in Spallumcheen. Parts of the mountain are about to be logged and the snake’s habitat will be destroyed. Please send your thoughts about this to Grace.Chomitz@gov.bc.ca.

— Nick Gunner via iNFOnews.ca

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