As a resident of French Creek, I don’t have the opportunity to vote for Qualicum Beach candidates. But my life in Oceanside often takes me to that town to enjoy its many benefits. Those exist in large part, I feel, because the town management has done excellent work in overseeing existing and proposed developments.
I heartily agree with those whose opinions showed a distinct lack of trust regarding what to expect from the new council. But most of us know that politics can be a difficult path to walk along. We understand that one cannot please everybody, but openness and honesty in municipal governance are two of the most essential elements. Fairness and pragmatism are other favoured factors. Unfortunately, having been elected by popular vote, the apparently-maverick councillors appeared to go in the opposite direction of what the public appeared to be seeking.
It’s not too late in the three-year term to make positive changes. Open discussion of issues to be brought to council without pre-meeting decision-making would be a proper step in the right direction.
The councillors generally have solid backgrounds which could be relied on for appropriate town management. I urge them all to follow the unwritten rules of respect, propriety and goodness as their current term unfolds.
Doing so would ideally win them back the public respect which they have otherwise forsaken.
John Roberts
Parksville