Covering stories that matter

Thanks for providing information the other news outlets locally do not – that is, about things in our area that affect us.

When I was looking for a condo, I almost purchased one that was built on a sinkhole. Because the price seemed lower than most of similar size, I wanted to know a bit of the history of various buildings. 

Contrary to popular belief – or I should say, contrary to what the real estate industry tells us – realtors either often do not know much about the properties they are selling, or in order to make the sale do not investigate or provide information to the prospective purchaser. 

It really is buyer beware. 

Anyway, I found out about this sinkhole property via Castanet’s news reports.

Changing topics, before the formation of ICBC, I worked in the insurance industry. There was no great difference in prices for any groups of drivers, except those in certain age groups who barely used their cars and therefore were not as likely to be involved in an accident. 

I sold car insurance and can tell you that most companies price-fixed their way to prosperity. 

There was about as much competition as there is at our gas stations. Yes, a few carefully selected drivers got a break, but may the gods help them if they ever had a claim. They were not renewed. 

With the costs of lawyers, repair/collision shops and the price of vehicles, of course rates have become ridiculously high. Seems everything has skyrocketed while wages have not. 

Those who have, get more. The rest of us, well good luck!

I sympathize with the letter writer about his hydro rates. However, he needs to know it is not if he lives in Penticton, or BC Hydro. 

Penticton buys electricity from Fortis and then re-sells it at a profit to the public. I paid less than half what I pay here when I bought directly from BC Hydro in Chilliwack. 

We struggle enough financially without our own city getting an extra tax grab. This should be an election issue.

Sandy Hayes, Penticton