In regards to the letter from Valerie Dare (The NEWS, Sept. 22) admonishing the good people of Parksville to support an experienced candidate in the upcoming by-election.
It is my opinion that it does not matter who gets elected; the same old will be happening at city hall and it is not the fault of the councillors. These people do not seem to have a leader who has the ability to lead, or he simply prefers that staff make all the decisions.
And on the subject of staff, I know that they are not required by legislation to live in the community that they serve. In reality, they have no connection or interest in the welfare of the people in the community.
In the 30 years of being a taxpayer in this city, it has not been lost on me that we have never had a CAO who would lower themselves to live amongst the people who they govern.
Most of our city staff live outside of our community; they just venture into our city each working day to practise municipal administration as they see fit.
Well we have a few more weeks of grip and grin by the candidates. It will be interesting to see what will happen.
Ted SmithParksville
