Opinion

Editor: It is heartening to see quality candidates putting their names forward as school trustee candidates in the coming municipal election. Last election trustees were elected by acclamation because there were only seven candidates.

I saw an absolutely outrageous sight on Sunday, a sight that left me speechless with the knowledge that citizens have to fight for even the most basic respect from our government. And as a resident of Delta, you'd think I would have learned by now.

Editor: When the Corporation of Delta took over the Tsawwassen Arts Centre and the Firehall Centre for the Arts this spring, I was not sure what was going to happen.

Editor: Re: Debate poised to resume, Sept. 21 Mayor Lois Jackson is seeking a legal opinion that could prevent people from asking candidates for Delta council about their position on the Southlands proposal.

I understand the legal requirement for local politicians to remain impartial when dealing with development applications, but, come on, at some point voters deserve to know where our decision makers stand.

Editor: Re: One flattened and another on the clock, Sept. 16 The Delta Heritage Advisory Commission is way out of line stating that the recent heritage houses slated to be demolished are clear cases of "demolition by neglect.

Editor: Premier Christy Clark has been in the news recently echoing the sentiments of most hard working British Columbians regarding the outrageous pay increases several of our top paid public servants have been receiving.

Readers of the Optimist who pay attention to provincial media coverage of education issues will be aware of the current round of negotiations between public school teachers and the provincial government.

It's truly a shame reminders of Delta's past are disappearing, but it shouldn't come as much of a surprise given the economics at work.

As it's about two months until the municipal election, I wish to discuss items of public policy that should be campaign issues. Delta's finance department, under the long-term management of Karl Preuss, CA, appears to be well run.