It’s unfortunate that Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster has become so defensive over the Stickle Road issue.
Last week, all six Vernon city councillors came out against the Ministry of Transportation’s plans for the dangerous Stickle/Highway 97 intersection (Mayor Akbal Mund is in favour).
“None of the council members came to any of the presentations and their engineering staff are in favour of this proposal,” said Foster.
All of that is true, but Foster has likely endorsed numerous provincial government policies and plans without physically being at the table or being part of discussions. He should also know that as MLA and a former regional district chairperson and Lumby mayor, that elected officials have the right to challenge staff and not simply rubber-stamp what they bring forward.
Foster also goes on to say that he has heard from thousands of people who support the Stickle proposal, but they’ve largely been missing from ministry open houses where the opposition has been overwhelming. You can’t blast council members for not attending meetings when those who support the proposal also didn’t show up. It should also be pointed out that while Foster has met directly with ministry staff, he has not attended any of the public open houses.
In the end, Foster personally believes the ministry plan is the solution and that is fine. But being so deeply entrenched on an issue isn’t always the best. Flexibility is occasionally necessary when the public’s interests are involved.