Dear Editor
I read Dr. Cairns Autopsy on Odishaw article in the May 5 News-Optimist and wanted to offer my view of the situation and the man.
Mayor Odishaw got the short end of the stick through no fault of his own. He is a man who deserves a great deal more respect and appreciation than the doctor realizes.
Chris Odishaw is a philanthropist, he's a community leader, a community builder and he sincerely wants to help make people's lives better. Chris contributes more than generously to local charities and his business advertises for every event and publication produced in the Battlefords.
He's an honest person, a man of his word and a guy who has natural common sense and great business sense. With his business acumen the mayor makes decisions and presents ideas in the best interests of the taxpayers and I agree with his thinking most of the time.
Chris is forthright in his beliefs and opinions, a rare trait for a political leader. I always know where I stand with him and I respect that he doesn't have hidden agendas. He wants what is best for all and gives a huge amount of his time to grow the greater community and make the town of Battleford a better place. He does this at significant personal cost. By abstaining from being involved in the multitude of real estate opportunities Chris forgos personal gain for community interest. Not many people with his talent will do that. The town residents are lucky to have him.
Chris would have had the very best chance to win the local riding in the 2011 provincial election. In that role there would be no better representative to successfully deliver greater things for the Battlefords and surrounding area including the Saskatchewan Hospital re-development.
Not only did the Sask. Party miss out, the entire region missed out.
Dean Kupchanko
Calgary, Alta.
