11.1°C Not observed 
4
There was a nasty rumour going around last week claiming the provincial Liberals had pulled the plug on funding for the Kootenay Lake Hospital renovation.
My first reaction was anger. Not again I thought, flashing back to the Nelson Health Campus debacle that played out under both the NDP and the Liberals. But strangely I wasn't shocked.
The Liberals are drunk with power and bent on handing over the province to the opposition NDP in three years. Besides, we're in the hinterland with an MLA on the opposite side of the Legislature. We matter very little to the inner circle in Victoria. It would seem if you wanted people screaming angry insults, you might as well do it in a place where the shouting has to clear several mountain passes to even be heard on Government Street.
Despite being immune to political disappointment, it was a tremendous relief to read the top story in Wednesday's Daily News. Interior Health confirmed that the $15 million project has been spared the Liberal axe and it's still full steam ahead.
It was also encouraging to hear local IHA administrator Diane Gagnon comment that much of what makes this project bulletproof to the carnage going on in other areas is the way it came together. The renovation is a product of regional cooperation and strong local support. It seems Victoria recognizes it and respects it.
Our municipal government leaders and groups like the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation have shown even the most jaded provincial bureaucrat how much we really want this project. Instead of infighting and holding our hands out, this project has been driven from the grassroots. It's a recipe for success.
The fact the upgrade is proceeding isn't cause for a special "We Love the Liberals Day" to be declared. Far from it. But we should be thankful Victoria recognizes the hard work being done at the local level. We also have to ensure we continue to do everything we can to continue to support this project.
— Managing Editor Bob Hall
DRGood says... 
I agree, BC Liberals" are not liberal at all, more aligned with the Reform party, or really Socreds.
As for Nelson, it is a divided city. On the face of it there seems to be liberal, progressive and creative people all over the place, but the other part you don't see so much is very conservative and seems to have a lot of influence over decisions made about what goes on in Nelson.
Just look at the delay in getting an outdoor skatepark for one example, and Kutenai Landing for another.
Posted on January 25, 2010 @ 7:38 pm PST | Report post to Editor | 3145952