Skip to content

Time to build bridges

Regarding Tracy Hughes’ column entitled, “Exposing the great divide.”

Regarding Tracy Hughes’ column entitled,  “Exposing the great divide.”

Yes, there is a divide in our community, but is not as clear-cut as you state.

Rather, it should be framed as “what kind of – business, development, shopping, green… etc.  we want,” rather than a simple “for or against.” Unfortunately, as can be seen from most of the intellectual wasteland of online comments and letters, instead of a discussion of ideas and issues we are presented with name calling and spewing of hatred.

I lay most of the blame for this sorry state of affairs at the feet of our city council and mayor. We elected them to be our civic leaders and as such their first priority should be building bridges between various visions for our community and providing leadership which unites us all. Instead we get mostly the “for-against” stance and disdain when options are suggested.

Before the last election I had written to the mayor and all members of the council citing my concerns about the great divide and the importance of their leadership in this area. I received only three replies and none of them even acknowledged the existence of this problem, never mind a commitment to do something about it.

Our schools are teaching children how to solve problems, work together and communicate respectfully. Seems like our present civic leaders need a “refresher” year in kindergarten.

 

 

G. Lundquist, Salmon Arm