Dear Editor:
Perhaps I am mistaken, but I find at all levels of government - federal, provincial, and now increasingly at the municipal level, Big Labour and Big Business interests are well represented at the policy table.
What is missing are the interests of small business. Except for lip service, the interests of small businesses are pushed aside by the two elephants, namely Labour and Big Business, already at the table, thus begging the question: Why would we want a labour-endorsed mayor and council in New Westminster, or any municipal government for that matter?
I was very encouraged by the fresh faces entering the running for council, only to watch in dismay as one by one they sought and obtained endorsements from the New Westminster and District Labour Council. I am sure the endorsements all come with campaign contributions both in the form of money, and other campaign resources which, let's be real, is hard to resist.
Perhaps the labour-endorsed candidates believe that once elected they can pursue independent policies and hold the interests of all New Westminster's citizens in the balance. Questions asked of the candidates by the New West District Labour Council cinching the endorsements I am sure were innocuous enough.
I would hope their ability to represent all turns out to be so, but hope is not enough. It is far more likely, when push comes to shove, as it most often does in politics, labour's interests will dominate, and those interests are not necessarily aligned with those of New Westminster's citizens.
With so few credible independent candidates, our best option is choosing a strong mayor outside of the New West District Labour Council's influence with a record of being guided by the interests of all New Westminster's citizens. That candidate in my opinion is incumbent Mayor Wayne Wright. With Wayne Wright we rest assured the interests of all New Westminster citizens will be ably represented.
One could easily argue that between big labour, big business, and small business; small business by its nature has the interests of all residents at heart. After all, small business needs a livable city with happy residents to prosper.
I am more comfortable supporting those who understand the hard work, creativity, and the risk that small business daily undertakes. Wayne Wright's roots are deep in the entrepreneurial arena which perhaps explains his foresight, strong leadership, and proven record of working hard for all citizens of New Westminster.
Wayne's years of service have imbued him with a presence not only in the city, but also in the greater Metro Vancouver region where he forcefully presented the city's interests gaining the respect of his peers and where the major part of the solution to one of our top concerns, traffic, is to be found.
As our choices for a balanced council are few... our best choice for Mayor is Wayne Wright, under whose leadership the city is being transformed, attracting new families and businesses. As much as I respect Jonathan Cote's abilities, with Wayne Wright, when push comes to shove, I have no doubts Wayne Wright will continue to stand strong for New Westminster's best interests.
Chester Kmiec, resident of New Westminster since 1987
