Editor:
My friends reading this know the volunteer roles I have taken in our community. My goals have always been centered on helping children to be the best that the can be.
Growing gymnastics in Delta certainly took a tremendous amount of time and energy. Other roles have been Delta Spirit of BC (raising excitement prior to the Olympics, the founding of the Delta Sport Council and the Delta Sport Hall of Fame.
Each of these programs have benefitted our community but each were met with much resistance from our Delta mayor, council and staff. Never did I feel that the idea or suggestion were given the time to be listened to and/or understood – our team was not treated with respect for their suggestion and/or asked how we could work together.
It was not the “hall’s” idea, so it did not count. That is how we felt. Each time we worked tirelessly as they were programs that would benefit the community. Delta Gymnastics took over 13 years to really get the ear of the mayor, council and staff to work with us to find the best location in Delta and then they contributed the land and $250,000 to the $3.2 million construction cost.
The Delta Sport Council has never been recognized. The city did not want to be associated with the Olympics so all that was done was on our own without their blessing.
While working, I never felt I could voice an opinion of who I would support as whoever was elected I would be working with and I did not want to alienate Delta Gymnastics Society or the other non-profits. Unfortunately there are many other organizations that feel the same and do not speak out.
In my other volunteer roles -- KidSport Delta, Delta Foundation and Tourism Delta -- I go to regional or provincial meetings. I meet others from across the province, all who have working relationships with their city or municipality, and 90 per cent have money support for staff time.
Delta needs to have a mayor and council who will listen and support the non-profit groups in Delta who serve our community. These groups have amazing, hardworking volunteers who are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping Delta.
I urge you to vote for those who wish to work with our community groups. Those who will listen, give feedback, appreciate and respect the thought and time put into the suggestions and project.
I am voting for Jim Cessford for mayor as I know he will work cooperatively with all the community – sport groups, non-profit service groups, agencies, charitable societies, etc.
Make sure you vote Oct. 20.
Carlene Lewall
