Editor:
Re: Two sides laud federal reaction, March 2 letters.
Every picture tells a story.
Of course, it was a much different story back then, wasn’t it? Civic elections were just around the corner and jumping on board the relocation train was a golden opportunity for scoring some political points.
Using lofty words of hope and inspiration, then-Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts easily controlled the crowd in her usual trademark fashion (Cities present four rail-route options, Nov. 28, 2013).
Even though the challenges of relocation were already well known, Watts never missed an opportunity to remind us of how difficult those challenges actually were. The entire production had all the trimmings of your typical, politically motivated, government-sponsored photo-op.
And Watts was just covering her bases like any polished pro would.
It wouldn’t be too long before a truly golden opportunity would present itself to Watts. Federal Conservative then-MP Russ Hiebert had used up all his frequent-flyer miles and wisely retired from one of the most cushiest Conservative strongholds in all the country. And Watts had both eyes on the prize!
It was supposed to be the ultimate slam-dunk. However, Watts soon found herself in hot water for bowing to King Stephen’s divisive policies of fear and intimidation. Those little fear-mongering flyers certainly didn’t help her either!
Was this the Dianne Watts that everyone knew and loved? Of course not. But that’s politics for ya. It’s a nasty, nasty game. It’s their game and we’ll never stop being disappointed until we manage to convince them that they actually work for us.
It’s been almost 2½ years since the picture in question was taken, and the only thing we really know for certain is that those there tracks ain’t going anywhere on their own.
John Freeman, White Rock
