Dear Editor:
Re: Ask about candidates' health, Letters to the editor, The Record, Sept. 19.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds Gavin Palmer's comment that "aging affects good decision-making and is a detriment for the long hours our elected officials need to remain alert and effective" offensive. To suggest that someone's age or the fact that they might have had a joint replacement makes them a less than capable member of council is ludicrous.
Wisdom, vision and good leadership are personal traits that are not determined, or limited, by age. I have met many strong and capable leaders in their 20s and 30s when many might say they are too young to be effective. At the same time, try and tell Jim Pattison, Joe Segal or the many other "seniors" who continue to provide strong leadership to organizations in our communities that they should no longer be considered worthy of sitting on a city council because of their age. There is value that comes from experience and the strongest teams are made up of individuals (young and old) with diverse skills and backgrounds.
Health issues are private matters that unfortunately can negatively impact any candidate, regardless of age, at any point in time.
Let's be wise enough in this upcoming election to choose capable individuals who have passion and a strong vision for the future of our city and not judge their abilities by the grey in their hair.
Karen Foss, New Westminster
