Dear Editor:
You were absolutely correct in saying that Mayors were re-elected with a mandate. Mayor Bev Parnham's community's decision to have her as their mayor speaks of vision and a forward movement to the future. They are actively reaching out to industry to promote economic development and are focused on transforming their community.
Port McNeill also re-elected with a mandate. Stay with the status quo. While it is true that our mayor was elected with a 59% majority vote, there are still the 41% whose interests need to be considered. I disagree with our mayors statement the there was no explanation of change. They were, just to name just a few: Community infrastructure improvements, economic diversification, empowering the voices of our community (especially listening to young families and seniors) and an open & transparent government.
I have heard it said that the town should be run like a household. A little more coming in than going out. Even someone who runs a household needs to have some money in the bank when that day comes and the roof needs replacing. Drive around this little community and have a good look at the sidewalks, roads and major town assets. I dare say a "few roofs are leaking".
Sincerely,
Gaby Wickstrom
This letter was sent to the Editor by one of our local Councillors who realised how our local Government works with the Senior Politicians manipulating the situation for the new comers who are probably scared to ask questions in fear of being ridiculed in front of others. Gaby decided that enough was enough. She put her foot down and put it on record. I was trying to recommend to our Community that they should support her actions and inform the public at large that our local Community Newspaper is not interested in doing. The perspective of our local paper is "Keep quiet, don't rock the boat, and hide everything."
"When you know everything, secrecy becomes a lie to everyone."
The following is a letter we sent to the Editor that was not published.
We await your comments.
A first in the history of the Regional District of Mount Waddington that an elected Councillor,
a person is power in our region had the guts to stand up and be counted for what she believed
and what she campaigned for. The Community Economic Development and Democracy.
The "Status Quo is not good enough" is 100% correct and I agree with that. If anyone wants
to know more, just let me know, I have the proof. Good for you Gaby Wickstrom! Tired of
being used and abused. Now the cat is out of the bag. You don't like what is going on and I don't
blame you. You cannot use your power properly if most of the work is done behind your back
and you aren't informed of what is going on. Another Councillor on you team was quote as saying
"The Council doesn't have to tell the public how they spend the money." Is this true? Or do you
not know about this? Open and transparent. Where? When? and How?
