Anyone who thinks the level of time, energy, dedication and focus required to train and win at the Paralymic or world level is equitable to reading a book, having a relaxing day or two or going on vacation is doing Michelle Stilwell a great disservice.
Also, all of our elected representatives “sacrifice” family time to do public service . . . so please stop with the violins in that area.
As a taxpayer and a constituent, what I want to know is: who is minding the office while she is away and focused on training or competing? Technology can compensate for distance but not the focus and energy.
Is this costing us more than an MLA who is not taking weeks or months at a time to train and compete?
How does the amount of time she is away from the legislature and the constituency compare to other MLAs?
How many other MLAs basically hold full or part time jobs while being paid as a full time MLA?
I am as proud as any of Michelle’s achievements and representing our area to the world. She was doing both before she became our MLA.
Given the unfolding expense scandals of some of our senators, to me these are important and legitimate questions to which we need honest answers.
Yvonne Zarowny
Qualicum Beach
