Further to the letter from Annette and reply from Eric Foster, MLA – same pat answer we are all getting on the HST issue.

Think this one was a done-deal long before we started to ask/complain about it.

Deena Laturnus

EXCELLENT CARE

I'm writing this letter to say thank you to the staff and volunteers at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

I spent about five days in the hospital around the beginning of August and wanted to thank everyone for the excellent care that I received while there.

First would be Dr. Phillips and Alexis in the emergency ward.

Thank you for making what was for me a rather personal and embarrassing procedure as comfortable as possible. Your professionalism was greatly appreciated.

Next would be the nurses and volunteers on 2 East. You do a fabulous job.

As for the food, I found it to be both nourishing and varied, though not especially flavorful.

As many people have food allergies or sensitivities, myself included, I'm sure that it has to be cooked with no seasoning or spices.

What with having to deal with the B.C. government and IHA I think they're doing a pretty good job.

Last, but certainly not least, I'd like to thank Gordon Campbell for the honor and privilege of getting to stay in one of his private suites.

You know, half the width of a bed, a curtain pulled around it and located in the hallway between the washroom and the linen closet.

Thank you all again!

Ken J. Cox

FACILITY NEEDED

Re: News item 'Residents Take Aim at Plan,' Sept 4/09.

I'm concerned that I didn't make my views clear when I spoke at this public presentation.

While most people were opposed to the proposed local composting project for smell and health reasons, what I heard was a presentation that offered opportunity.

As to the smells.

What was being proposed is an agricultural activity. The Salmon Valley is an agricultural valley. Farm smells are part of agriculture.

There may still be smells. But, that's part of agriculture. They're to be expected in an agricultural valley.

As to the health risk, the presenters repeatedly said the proposal applied to non-SRM materials. There was no health risk.

What was being proposed is, because of a whole range of public policies and regulations, a practice that requires compliance to strict conditions.

Those conditions were clearly outlined. I heard promises made by both the proponent and the regulators about how they were going to be met.

As to the opportunity. What this proposal does is give both the small producer and the local processor a better chance of competing not just quality-wise but price-wise in an environment that is now beginning to show genuine glimmerings of hope for the small, local producer.

If local disposal means lower costs to processors and the savings are passed on to producers, it will help local producers offer local customers a more competitive price for their products.

It's a classic value-chain solution that offers a 'trickle-down' benefit to many small producers in this region and to all who like local food.

That's why I supported the proposal.

Dennis Lapierre