Dear Editor,
I would like to comment on the unfortunate incident that started with some misguided individuals trying to abuse and intimidate the Lekhi family by defacing and damaging their property with spray paint and rocks.
I was very pleased and impressed by the community’s response to this incident and how people rallied around the family to show them that the community supports and cares for them, and that this type of incident is not indicative of the community as a whole.
One thing that I was not impressed with though was the subsequent grandstanding and political pandering by the Mayor of Summerland, Toni Boot.
I have known Toni since we were children going to school in Summerland, and I like her on a personal level; but cannot agree with her actions in this case.
I speak specifically of her attempt to demonize the Dollar Store and More owner, Mr. Carter. I don’t know Mr. Carter, nor am I a regular customer in his store, but I imagine he is like every other store owner in this town who is trying to eke out a living from his business in Summerland.
One only has to drive through Summerland and see the empty stores and storefronts to realize that businesses here are barely staying afloat; especially in these times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To unnecessarily try to intentionally hurt another business in this community by shaming him for selling Confederate flag bandanas (which he no longer offered for sale, and freely gave at no charge to the Mayor, without knowing what her intentions were) is beyond the pale, and definitely below the office and responsibilities of being mayor.
Peter Holler
Summerland