To the editor:
RE: Westsiders protest West Kelowna

Residents of the former Westbank need to realize that this new municipality is not just about them. I keep hearing arguments along the lines of "It's always been called Westbank, they shouldn't change it." They are forgetting that the areas of Lakeview and West Kelowna estates have always been known as West Kelowna. Why should the residents of Westbank get so angry at the name change? Half of the area is going to have to change its name, and Westbank lost in a democratic vote. Simple as that.

I also hear Westbank residents saying that the issue should be re-voted on, because it was a narrow victory for "West Kelowna". These are many of the same people who were saying "Nope, it was voted on and decided fairly" when many Westside residents narrowly lost their bid to join Kelowna.

It seems that to many ex-Westbankers, a democratic vote is only fair when their side wins. Popular vote says "West Kelowna", so suck it up and embrace the change.

Michael Gerlitz - West Kelowna