The investigation comes after a number of anonymous third-party ads were run in the Summerland Review and other area newspapers. Some of the ads promoted a slate of candidates, one endorsed mayoral candidate Janice Perrino only and several urged voters reject anti-growth platforms.
The result of the election was a decisive win for Janice Perrino and each of the candidates listed in the seven-name slate.
Since the news stories ran, there has been much speculation about who may be involved, the motivations behind the advertisements and the possibility of groups of conspirators, lurking in the background but shaping the outcome of the election.
Others are questioning the motives of those who have now raised their concerns over the ads.
At this point, it is important to remember that the story is still unfolding.
While an investigation has been requested, it has not yet been conducted.
It will likely take months before a proper investigation can be completed.
Right now, it is much too early to make any conclusions. It is also unfair to point fingers until the investigation has run its course.
We live in a society in which the presumption of innocence is a fundamental pillar of our justice system.
None of us would want to be judged by those who do not know the whole story.
The candidates in the last election, those who placed advertisements, the elections officer and others involved deserve the same level of respect.
We ask that everyone, on all sides of this story, would keep an open mind until the facts are known.
http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/summerlandreview/opinion/79467867.html
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