I couldn’t agree more with Marlys Diamond’s thoughts in her letter ‘Great QB history’ (The NEWS, Sept. 30).
Marlys was well into her many contributions to our town when my wife and I moved into our home in October of 1990. Shortly after our arrival, Jack Collins, who had served on council for many years with Art Skipsey, was elected mayor.
Collins’ six years as mayor, followed by Bill Luchtmeijer’s term, could be summed up in three simple words: “enhance our town.” Change and progress were good words then and not taken in derogatory terms as they are today in particular by two small groups who regularly say “no” to any new ideas. Nearly all the enhancements that we all enjoy today were put in place by these two mayors and their councils, who not only listened to the residents, but heard what they had to say.
No job was too big for these folks, from completing the civic centre, building Eagle Park, starting and completing the downtown revitalization, to building our new town hall/library complex, which was opposed by then-coun. Teunis Westbroek. When the other four council members voted to proceed, Westbroek never accepted the decision and then refused to attend the official opening.
During the following years under our current mayor Westbroek, the words “enhance” or “change” were seldom heard and while there were many good ideas presented during the last two OCP reviews by many residents, the chamber of commerce and the planning commission, very few were even considered.
With the next municipal election just a short time away, I think we need to take a good hard look at all the candidates for mayor and council and see who are really committed to a positive attitude and a willingness to really look at new ideas and changes that will further enhance our town. If we do, we will find as we did in the past, a large group of our residents who will be willing to devote their time and talents and work together to make these enhancements a reality.
Pat HadleyQualicum Beach
