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One on one intiative builds community relationships

Last week’s walkabout was more about building communication and dialogue

Last week, Keremeos Mayor Manfred Bauer and Keremeos RCMP Detachment Commander Mike Gallagher made the rounds of downtown businesses to talk about security and other policing issues.

It was quite a revealing exercise, as each merchant had different concerns regarding policing issues with respect to their individual businesses.

Not that crime is a big issue in the Lower Similkameeen. When a single individual, lingering  in  the valley for a few days or a week can have a profound affect on quarterly stats through the perpetration of one or two incidents, it’s more indicative of what isn’t going on, than what is. Which is good.

Last week’s walkabout was more about building communication and dialogue, as well as providing an opportunity for the business community to get to know their local representatives, which in turn will help to build mutual respect and knowledge for the roles these people play in the community.

The fact that merchants might have learned a few things about security and police methods, or that the local police now have a greater understanding as to how better to serve individual businesses, is a bonus.

Last week’s morning of one on one sessions  added up to an excellent initiative shown by local community leaders. By taking the time and effort to call on the business community, the mayor and Corporal Gallagher are building faith in the  system, making everyone more comfortable in the  process.