Editor: I would like to correct some misinformation in Councillor Kim Richter’s letter (The Times, Sept. 20) about the motion to name the new 200 Street pedestrian bridge the “Cole Harmony Bridge.”
People in the community are not so upset about cute little Cole being honoured by having a bridge named after him, the dismay and disapproval is with the lack of process.
There needs to be a fair process in place so that family, friends, or supporters of those in power are not favoured over others. Just as governments have a process to lower the flags to half-mast to honour someone, there needs to be a process in place to honour individuals when naming a structure after them.
If we continue to allow knee-jerk reactions by politicians, it can lead to favouritism. In order to honour little Cole and others, there should not be the slightest perception of favouritism.
Richter needs to get out of the ditch and stop mud throwing and name calling. True leaders are expected to stop rumours — not start them. There was no e-mail regarding that council meeting or its agenda that was sent out or received by Mayor Rick Green or any of the independent candidates of Vote Langley Now. That is a fact. Something true. It is not a biased assumption.
She accuses others of mudslinging, yet she uses words like “bitter,” “negative,” “assume,” “slate mates,, “slick slates,” “spiteful,” “divisive” and “cheap.” Richter needs to take a long look in the mirror when she starts to lecture about mudslinging.
The tone of her letter seems to indicate that she does not want our community to attend council meetings. With the low voter turnout at all levels of government elections, we all should be encouraging all residents to be more informed and active in our community. Does Richter not believe in the democratic process and strengthening our democracy?
Ben Penner,
Langley
Editor’s note — Mr. Penner is running for Langley Township council under the Vote Langley Now banner.
