Dear editor,
As a former city councillor in a larger Canadian city that has long since seen the problems Courtenay is now beginning to face, I wish to comment on the outcome of the Courtenay civic election. In doing so, I direct my comments toward Mayor Re-elect Larry Jangula. First Mr. Jangula, I congratulate you on your victory.
Now, down to serious business. Mayor Jangula you now must live up to your promises and you must also make a realistic interpretation of the voting results. In doing so you must honour your pledge to listen to the voters. Council candidate David Frisch won handily on a clear campaign platform of regional concern and downtown revitalization concern. Mr. Frisch presented a new vision for Courtenay and the Comox Valley. He was unequivocal and so were the voters.
Let’s do an analysis of the election results. First your results. In a field of only two candidates you won with 3,483 votes. As for David Frisch, he won with a greater number of votes than you did, with 3,671 votes in a field of 13 candidates. It is absolutely clear that the people of Courtenay gave Councillor-elect David Frisch a stronger mandate than you received.
I have never met Mr. Frisch but I did have a telephone conversation with him during the campaign. I read his literature and spoke to a couple of his supporters. My life experience and my political experience over 30 years stands me in reasonably good stead when it comes to conducting the “smell test”. I am confident Mr. Frisch will walk the walk he talks.
Frisch expressed a desire to represent Courtenay on the Comox Valley Regional District Board of Directors and also represent Council on the Courtenay downtown business association board. His choices are wise, parochial and regional.
Now Mayor Jangula, the ball is in your court. Will you walk the walk you talk and represent the will of the people you say you will? Will you support the appointment of Frisch to the CVRD Board of Directors and the downtown business association? If you do not then you have some splainin’ to do to the Courtenay electorate. I trust you will make the wise choice.
Donovan R. Carter
Courtenay