Editor:
Re: Huntington upset over minister meeting, July 12
Well, here we are again it seems. Or are we here still? The recent meeting with Transportation Minister Todd Stone, Mayor Lois Jackson and Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton would, at first glance, seem innocent enough.
However, notwithstanding Jackson's comments, the province (i.e. the taxpayers of B.C., not the Liberal party) has put sufficient funds toward this project to warrant the presence of both local MLAs, not just Jackson's choice.
Jackson states this is up to the province. If she truly were a leader of this community and was honestly interested in appropriate presentation, she would see this as her responsibility. This is not just a case of appropriate policy, but also a matter of decency. Jackson apparently doesn't understand this and finds the need to label the response as an act of conspiracy.
I'm afraid this brings me to an older theme. It is very clear that Hamilton, in his mere weeks as a newly elected MLA, has shown that no one can serve two masters. Whether one is on an "unpaid leave of absence" (with voting rights ?) or just showing up when you can (or by phone), both positions require one's full and unbiased attention.
Not only do the people of North Delta deserve a dedicated MLA, the people of all of Delta deserve a full and attentive council. Similar comments have been made for all other constituencies that are in this predicament.
For any council to obscure this issue with comments about cost is an avoidance of democracy and hides whatever real reasons exist. It is really clear the above issue merely presents the tip of the iceberg. This problem will only get worse if it is not attended to now.
Peter van der Velden
