Regrets, I’m not impressed by Graham Hill’s accomplishments reported Sept. 12 (Longtime mayor calling it quits).
The mural along Island Highway is neat, but only of much use to people sitting behind windows across the street. In between is the ashtray ditch, of little value. I say “ashtray ditch” because jerk drivers from the Greater Victoria area throw lit cigarette butts into it, which starts fires that block traffic. That’s a small example of many reasons more police are needed.
The bicycle lanes are indeed great, and turning lanes help traffic flow, but View Royal failed to provide proper merging lanes west of Admirals Road.
As for View Royal’s small contribution to the Craigflower Bridge, that is of little value to the people who paid much more of the cost – Saanich taxpayers – the result is a cheaped turning lane onto Island Highway and a wasteful, bulged deck whose width, intended for fishers, has been taken up with benches.
During Hill’s time as mayor, View Royal council delayed Jeneece Place for months, out of fear that someone might build a motel near a place with visiting specialists and technicians, in a town that has no motels to speak of.
It is odd that Hill’s list does not include the new fire station. While not complete yet, it should be a good addition to the area. (That was a controversial project due to the cost-and-approval method, with game playing done by some residents.)
Meanwhile, Hill failed to carry out the duty of government, the reason it exists – protect people, by financially supporting adequate levels of policing.
So I ask View Royal voters to think about what is most important when they choose a new mayor this fall.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich
