Stilwell exciting
Editor John Harding’s editorial Jan. 10 regarding the upcoming B.C. election and candidates (A rock and a hard place) was fair and balanced and spoke to the facts in a positive way, which seems to be true of most of Harding’s editorials, regardless of what yesterday’s man, Frank Horner, continues to complain about.
I happen to agree with most of what Harding writes, other than his stance on continuing to allow tax exemptions for special interest groups, but we can debate that another time.
For now, it is all about getting Michelle Stilwell elected May 14. It is quite exciting that someone with her qualifications has agreed to stand for election in our riding. We are very fortunate to have her as a candidate.
Harding’s editorials are a welcome change from the writings of his predecessor and his competition. I ask that he please continue with his positive no-spin style — it is rather refreshing, and it’s nice to see someone who is “Pumped on 2013” (the headline over one of his early-January editorials).
It goes along with the efforts that three of our Qualicum Beach councillors, Bill Luchtmeijer, Dave Willie and Mary Brouilette are making in their effort to try and bring our town into the 21st century. What with four businesses closing, five that are up for sale and three with a no-hope sustainable business model, we need all the positive energy we can find.
Fox McKinley
Qualicum Beach
Avis brings much
experience
With regards to John Harding’s editorial (Jan. 10) in which you welcome Barry Avis to a space between a rock and a hard place, my wife and I are compelled to disagree.
Avis has not only an extensive background in business management and systems design, he also has nine years of political experience as a highly respected Qualicum Beach councillor and vice-chair of the Association of Vancouver Island Communities.
Add these qualifications to Avis’ involvement with the Living Wage Committee, Protect Our Coasts, Oceanside Communities for Quality Education and his municipal experience in planning, finance, water management, environment and community development and it becomes apparent that he is superbly qualified to represent the diverse population of the Parksville-Qualicum constituency.
Over the past 16 months, he has engaged the public with 13 community town hall meetings on topics ranging from seniors’ care, to health care to agricultural sustainability — all the while knocking on more than 3,000 doors in the Nanaimo to Qualicum Beach area.
Avis is too much a gentleman to stoop to name calling, dirty politics or mud slinging. We know that he will treat his political opponents with grace and respect, and that he will run his campaign based on his resume and qualifications and his willingness to work hard to prove his worth.
Avis will not have to challenge or disparage the Liberal candidate, but that candidate may find herself having to defend the miserable 11-year record of the party she has chosen to represent.
In our humble opinion, Avis hardly finds himself between a rock and a hard place. He appears to be far too busy for such a distraction.
Dana McComber
Nanoose Bay
thanks QF for meals
We would like to thank Qualicum/Quality Foods for the wonderful meals at the future Qualicum Beach Inn.
Hundreds ate, this last month, solely due to their generosity and spirit. Special thanks to: John, Rose, Jen, Cathy, Carolyn, Holly, Kevin, Tricia and all other staff and volunteers who helped out. You made a difficult time of year wonderful for so many.
Carol Newman
Parksville
Send my mom into space
My stepmom lives in Campbell River and is part of a contest running to go into outer space as part of the Axe Apollo Campaign and needs as many votes as she can get by August 31.
So far, she is in the 88th spot and they are only taking the top 22. I am not sure how many people on Vancouver Island are in the contest, but Jody definitely deserves this and it has always been one of her dreams.
I wonder if perhaps we can get people to vote for our local aspiring astronaut. Here is a link for some information on the contest http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/179/87776.html as well as the link to vote for Jody www.sendjodytospace.com.
Every vote counts and she really does deserve this.
Amber Lysne
Parksville
thanks for
donations
On behalf of the Salvation Army, I am extending a very big ‘thank-you’ to District 69.
Many organizations, fire halls, churches, stores, clubs, schools, media and individuals dug deep and helped us help those in need this past Christmas.
Your donations of funds and food made it possible to reach our Christmas Appeal target and help all those who came to our door hungry.
To all those who gave of their valuable time manning our Kettles, unpacking donations and& stocking shelves, assisting clients shop for their groceries and helping in the office — we couldn’t have done it without you.
Lisa Clason
Community Services Coordinator
Salvation Army
Parksville
