To the Editor,
Re: Nanaimo teens go on vandalism spree, Jan. 3 (www.nanaimobulletin.com).
As a former school administrator at then Cedar Junior Secondary School and most recently a nine-year Nanaimo school district trustee, I am disappointed and outraged to hear and read about the recent vandalism at Woodbank Elementary.
Cedar has a major vandalism problem on its hands: A) at schools, B) at the undeveloped residential area between the Wheatsheaf Pub and Mahle House, C) the misuse of the “swimming holes” along the beautiful Nanaimo River and D) at residential properties.
How will citizens, parents, schools, seniors and businesses respond?
Will they demand restorative justice (including payment of costs) by the vandals? Will parents of the vandals step up and seek out ways to help their children look for better behaviour alternatives?
I truly hope the residents and families of Cedar hold a community meeting to look at facilities needs, including after-hours use of schools.
I suggest teens need to be part of this discussion. Even the vandals need to attend to explain their behaviour and how it has affected the entire community.
Do citizens of Cedar care enough to work with our MP, MLA, regional district and school district to help this community get over this black eye and move forward in a way that will construct a community of which all can be proud? I hope so.
Cedar is worth it.
Ron Dale
Ladysmith
