Legacy not favourable

Dear editor: The city severing of the Trio contract couldn’t come at a more apt time: The hockey dorm scandal is now before the courts.

It gave me pause for reflection on when all this occurred and who was in charge at City Hall: Annette Antoniak.

One of the most important functions of a chief administrative officer is to keep council out of trouble. Administrators are the gatekeepers and should be able to vet all schemes ensuring the presenters have valid and sound business plans before presentations go before city councils.

As well the important duty of associated heads of other departments is to supply council with dependable information so that they can make informed decisions on behalf of the public they were elected to serve.

Antoniak came highly recommended, had worked in the provincial government and was known to local elected officials past and present.

The following list is what many people will remember her for during her short career with the City of Penticton.

Failed hockey dorm: More legal fees and associated costs with restoration plus lawsuits against the city from unsatisfied contractors who were never paid.

Failed marina expansion and entertainment facilities: Secret plans followed by two years of angst and uproar in the city.

Failed Challenge triathlon, some of whose costs to the City are being covered by miracle worker Michael Brown.

Let us not forget the foray into the business world with a trip to Germany to look into signing a contract with Challenge.

And last but not least in my opinion was the lawsuit against me. The biggest mistake they made was expecting me to lie down and roll over.

When I recently spoke to Mayor Andrew Jakubeit he told me the city intends on leaving this lawsuit alive against me: His choice.

One of the most important traits a Mayor can have is the ability to admit you are wrong and change direction accordingly.

Two year after the signing of the Trio contract what does the mayor say?

“Jakubeit said he doesn’t regret partnering with Trio in the first place, and has since come to more fully appreciate the need for adequate public consultation.” (Herald September 20). Elvena Slump

Penticton