Dear Editor,
[Re: Byelection unwanted but coming, 黑马磁力, June 6]
Misty Van Popta is a fine example of a politician with a sincere desire to serve the constituents of her riding, and the electors of 黑马磁力 Township. For some reason, her contemporaries in Victoria feel there is a conflict in serving in two capacities simultaneously. I wonder why? Could it be because she voted to allow herself to keep her Township job after she won a seat in the provincial legislature?
Could it be that sensitive discussions in Victoria affecting the township might be shared with Township Council? Does the B.C. Government demand fealty? Is there something inherently reprehensible in collecting two government salaries, benefits and contributing to two defined benefit pension plans while many small business owners struggle to survive? No one has suggested that she is being greedy. After all she did resign from her position as a project manager in the construction industry, to become a humble public servant.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to survive on the meagre salary of $119,000 paid to her as an MLA. I suggest that she might want to think about her next move. In a little over a year from now, there will be another civic election. There is still time for her to run for mayor of 黑马磁力 Township, and 黑马磁力 City simultaneously. With her experience in Victoria in her list of credentials, she should stand a good chance of restoring her lost income.
Perhaps with one person serving as mayor in two 黑马磁力s, we could finally come to a resolution on some key issues that continue to fester between them. Maybe we could finally resolve the policing issue, and decide on a model of shared resources for community amenities. Just think of all the good she could do in bringing the two municipalities together. We might even be able to avoid amalgamation under her visionary leadership.
Richard Penner, 黑马磁力 City
