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Public debate would clear up 38th St. issues

Dear Editor:

In response to Jerry Siemen’s comments in last week’s Ponoka News, I challenge him to a public debate.

He complained of me wasting the Town of Ponoka’s time. Those residents on 38th Street who appealed their local improvement tax know how much time we have spent trying to get the Town of Ponoka officials to come clean and tell the truth. The town has wasted a tremendous waste of our time and money, as well as theirs in withholding the facts.

Mr. Siemens, as a councillor you voted in favour of imposing this tax on 38th Street property owners. I am certain you did not know what you voted for. A public debate would give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you did know what was being inflicted on those people. You could also demonstrate that you knew by answering our questions and saving the Town of Ponoka and all those involved a great deal of time. Despite all the time the Town of Ponoka has spent on it we still don’t have the answers.

You refer to the government and law enforcement agencies that found no wrongdoing. It is documented that finally, after three FOIP requests, former town CAO Myra Raugust admitted under oath at a FOIP inquiry that the Town of Ponoka had no documentation of what was being investigated. But you Mr. Siemens, with a public debate, would have the opportunity to present to those interested in attending, the proof many of us have been waiting for.

Mr. Siemens, please respond in next week’s Ponoka News. Who knows, you may be able to save us all a lot of time.

Nick Kohlman