Dear Editor:
I never thought the day would come when I would say out loud that I envy the fine citizens of Surrey - but that day arrived on Sunday morning.
Mostly I envy them for their mayor. When we, the citizens of lower Sapperton, opposed changes to the official community plan in our residential neighbourhood, which would facilitate the expansion of the Elizabeth Fry Society, council turned a blind eye to our concerns and common sense.
Instead, they listened to the developer and persons not residing in the area or even New West.
Council had never seen such opposition to a project; but they would not let that deter them from thrusting an unwelcome development into a residential area.
But Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts told South Surrey residents who were opposed to a proposed casino that she had heard what they had to say and wouldn't force the project on them.
Watts had the courage to stand up to the casino lobby, telling The Vancouver Sun, "We're elected by the residents of Surrey. You have to take that voice into consideration."
Here in New Westminster we can only dream of having such an enlightened elected official.
- With apologies to Coun. Betty McIntosh; the lone councillor to give recognition and value to our opposition.
Catherine Cartwright, New Westminster
