It is somewhat difficult to respond to Art Skipsey’s letter to the editor in the May 28 edition of The NEWS. First he expresses hope for the newly elected MLA, later he details the new medical clinic’s problems and then he concludes by suggesting that voters may now wish to reconsider their choice?
The medical needs of the Oceanside region have been well known for at least 20 years. The new clinic was only achieved through the heroic efforts of The Federation of Resident Associations over the past three years. During that time, Barry Avis as a town councillor showed little interest in its efforts. Consequently, I see no reason why we might’ve expected anything different from the election of a NDP candidate.
VIHA is a perfect example of an idealistic (socialistic), unaccountable, politically-structured, bureaucratic, non-performing, costly nightmare. The particular local problems we see about the X-ray clinic can surely be attributed to the VIHA model of public health administration. It is ridiculous to suggest the problems associated with the clinic are due to a plot which somehow involves the B.C. Conservative Party candidate, who happens to be in partnership with other medical doctors, in a Nanaimo X-ray clinic. Like it or not, that clinic provides essential back up for the failures of VIHA.
Tela Gayowsky
Qualicum Beach