In response to NORD’s General Manager Al McNiven’s comments on the loss of revenue for concessions in the recreation complexes.

I have been successfully running a “healthy” concession for six years before it became fashionable or politically correct to serve healthy food. I have actual customer experience on the issue of ‘changing the menu’. And you know what? They like it! I get applause when I show up at a venue. The most common comment I get is that they are so happy to have a choice beyond the traditional greasy burgers and hot dogs.

NORD’s GM envisions a loss of revenue by instituting a changeover in food selections – Does he know how effective these same consumers have been in forcing stores to convert their selections to offer organic and local food? The revenue is not the issue. Society has already made their statement that they want this and are willing to support it.

Healthy food choices can only create benefits for all – lowering medical costs benefits our whole society, increasing the fitness and abilities of the competing athletes, improving and advocating the local economy by using whole foods grown and made here in Vernon.

The answer is that healthy food needs to be as interesting as junk food. It can be so much more than a pre-made burrito – Look at the popularity of Subway, Wrap Zone and sushi bars! There is a world of interesting and nutritious options waiting to be tasted.

Cara Nunn

RAISES NOT NEEDED

I was reading about the self-appointed raises again for our fine city councillors. My question is did they not know this when they took the job, did someone say you won't have to attend any meetings. Is this rocket science or what! If they don't attend any meetings what do they do there?

My faith in humanity was restored when I heard that Patrick Nicol and Bob Spiers refused the raise and will donate it to charities, my hat is off to you amazing men. I think this world has become so money-based, it seems that everyone is fixated on making a buck and everyone thinks they deserve more than the next person.

My mom works here in Vernon at a cultural facility and makes $11.85 an hour after going on 19 years of service, to me this is wrong, but as long as the ones in power keep giving themselves raises what is left for the middle class (now poor class)?

Every time our taxes go up you can be sure a healthy raise is in store for our city officials! Not the 20 cents an hour the rest of us get.

Shannon Sauer