Dear Editor:
My wife and I live in Sydney, Australia and we are semi-frequent visitors to this wonderful municipality and lovely town called Summerland — or what I prefer to call, mother nature’s art gallery.
We come here to visit my lovely in-laws but also to experience the friendship and hospitality of the people and of course the exquisite fauna, flora, spectacular lake and adjoining scenery, not to mention the fabulous orchards and vineyards.
I have been listening and reading with interest lately the opinions and commentary from many residents on what they consider should to be the priorities for the incoming council.
There is no doubt that in today’s social and economic environment councils are confronted with far more challenges than just the maintenance of roads and parks, garbage collection and the like.
Councils are there to represent the people and are the temporary custodians of this place that so many wonderful Canadians call home.
That is a huge responsibility and success will only be achieved by councillors who are listening to and who are tuned into the wishes and aspirations of their entire community — not just the loudest, not just a few and definitely not those self-indulgent few that do not represent the desire and values of the broader community.
Change for change sake is not good but change for the improvement and the advancement of a community is essential.
Such change, when managed correctly will be extremely beneficial for everyone and is a core responsibility for any council — however, there is always a delicate balance required to maintain that equilibrium between the past the present and the future.
My wife and I are fortunate to have had hosted many visitors to our lovely city of Sydney over the years. On those occasions of playing host to international and local visitors we have found ourselves being tourists in our own home city. What an eye opener and a fantastic experience that can be.
As I prepare to leave this garden of Eden, I would encourage all of its residents to play tourist for a while.
Experience this special place and then make informed decisions about what really should be the priorities of your next elected officials.
This truly is a special place that should be appreciated and nurtured by all.
Finally, can I congratulate the volunteer organizers, the high school leaders, the fire department staff and of course the participants for last Sunday’s Terry Fox Foundation Run.
My wife and I were enthusiastic participants in a wonderful and historic Canadian event for a cause that is very close to our hearts.
What was clearly on display for all to see was the amazing sole and spirit of Summerland.
I wish you all every success and I look forward to my return visit next year. Thank you again for sharing your home with my wife and I over the past two weeks.
Geoffrey Askew
Sydney, Australia
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