I am very surprised to see so few people commenting on Paul Reitsma’s desire to step back into politics. I thought there might be a law against running again, after the Warren Betanko fiasco.
However, I am writing in reference to Mr. Reitsma’s comments about being accountable to the public — something he has criticized the current council of neglecting.
From 1987 to 1991, I was Recreation Commissioner for Area F and ran the site committee for the long dreamed of community pool. Several sites were identified, both in Parksville and Qualicum Beach, and a meeting was held for all the local politicians to decide on the location. Then-mayor Reitsma did not support the pool in his city.
Parksville residents were angry that the pool was to be built in Qualicum Beach. Knowing the discontent with the south end of District 69, the pool committee decided to take Nanoose Bay out of the referendum.
Despite the best efforts of the pool committee, the majority of Parksville residents voted the pool referendum down but there were enough voters elsewhere who voted yes. Because of Reitsma’s decision, the community pool came very close to being defeated.
The residents of Parksville wanted a pool in their city but despite their wishes, Reitsma turned his back on his constituents.
So much for listening to the public.
Mikey Stephenson
Qualicum Beach
