Allan Patton on the farm is not running for office so I thought – wow – good time for an interview.

Allan what is the first priority in the RDOS and the same for Area C ?

Patton: Getting the Hospital Tower at PRH is the first priority of all directors. Here in Oliver my choice getting the west side of the  highway sewered at Gallagher Lake. The rural director says there has been a number of setbacks for the residents of Deer Park and other businesses and homes in that area – but the pipe should be installed this year that connects to the OIB plant to the south.

Any problems at Loose Bay this year?

Patton: I have a negotiated a deal with Fortis and that company is reverting its charges back to the residential rate cutting the costs in the future. Fortis had recently stated that commercial rates must be paid and started to bill for consumption that went back about a year. Patton said he met privately with Fortis’ Bob Gibney and straighten that matter out. The rural director says he has committed funding this year for another washroom (toilet and shower) at Loose Bay for farm workers.

Allan are all the problems associated with street renaming cleared up yet?

Patton: No and I really want this item to be put to bed soon. I will be hiring someone to go door to door to ensure that proper numbering is in place on homes. The Ministry of Highways has several areas where proper signage is not in place:   Fairview/White is to be renamed Willowbrook Road from Fairview to Willowbrook and the remainder of the back road to the observatory will retain the old name. Road 22 ends at the river bridge and becomes Black Sage at that point. There is to be a small lane at Vieux Pin that needs to be identified.

Allan the budget for Parks and Recreation has been adjusted once for arena changes – is there more adjustments coming?

Patton: I voted against that budget change at the last RDOS meeting but it passed despite that. I am quite concerned that the society board is planning one or more changes in the budget before year end and I will meeting with the Mayor and the finance committee to get a full explanation and to express my concerns. Budgets should not be adjusted ad hoc – expenditures should be planned says Patton.