March 26, 2014 The Delta Optimist A9 Letters to the Editor
Letter is beyond board’s mandate
Editor: I believe the letter written to Metro Vancouver signed by Delta school board chair Laura Dixon and superintendent Dianne Turner is in non-compliance with the School Act of B.C. and the oath of office. As the School Act and the Delta Handbook outline specific policies and procedures related to the learning environment, it is alarming to read this referenced letter, which is not within the mandate of the authors. The letter states two reasons for the support of a highly controversial land deal in Delta. One reason cited is that approval will
mean an agricultural academy, which fits in well with the District Vision. Surely Delta trustees and the superintendent are not mandated to get involved in endorsing controversial land deals with expected speculative returns. The second reason for support is the statement that trustees believe there is a need for more housing because of declining enrolment in Delta schools. This is outside the role of school trustees and superintendent. It is not their job to generate and promote housing proposals to serve schools. It is their job to provide education for our commu-
nity. A letter had already been sent to Delta from the school district advising the planning department the current schools could accommodate the first phase of the development. The letter also requested the development provide adequate accommodation for bus stops. Did the school board pass a motion at a board meeting to write a letter of support for such a divisive proposal? The minutes of the meeting where this was endorsed need to be made public. Such a motion should have been ruled out of order according to the
B.C. School Act. Trustees and superintendents should not be using educational governance positions to promote causes unrelated to their mandate. The letter to Metro Vancouver violates the principles of good, honest governance. It is seen as a breach of the public trust. The letter should be withdrawn and a public apology should be printed in all Delta newspapers. The actions of the authors should be investigated by the Ministry of Education and the B.C. School Trustees Association. Susan Jones
North Deltans eager to be represented by MP Findlay Editor: Re: Result not sure thing anymore, Murphy’s Law, March 5 I read with great interest your editorial concerning the new boundaries for federal electoral districts. While it is true that no election is a certainty, I thought you would like to know that, according to Elections Canada’s recent
Great afternoon Editor: Heartfelt thanks to Ladner Pioneer Library staff, program presenter Cynthia Sully and her volunteers for the entertaining Saturday afternoon of African drumming, singing, South African food, new books, prizes and inspiring words. At this full house attendance, more than 60 local residents were treated to a wonderfully educational and enjoyable cross-cultural experience, a reminder again of the valuable role the library plays in our community. B. Yaworski
release, if the 2011 election had been held with the new boundary of Delta as it will be in the next election, Conservative cabinet minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay would have won by 9,120 votes, receiving 48 per cent of votes cast. Her record as a cabinet minister, experience as a Delta resident and the files on which she has continu-
ally delivered — such as dredging, fishing, farming, health impacts, taxation, foreign trade and red tape reduction — are why constituents of Delta will be proud to re-elect her as their member of Parliament. North Delta, as part of Newton-North Delta, has continually returned a conservative majority vote. I think you will find that
many more North Deltans are now eager to be represented by Findlay. We are certainly delighted by the many active, young families joining our new Delta Conservative Association from North Delta. J.R. (Jim) Northey President Delta Conservative Association
Local businesses are strong supporters of the community and its many events
Editor: In your March 19 edition, I read with appreciation the letter that Kevin Ridley of The RunInn Delta wrote in a form of an advert. The heading was: “Why should we support local businesses?” Although I appreciate the shop local concept, I strongly believe that local businesses have to earn the loyalty that goes with the concept and Ridley’s letter does an excellent job of highlighting a lot of things often overlooked.
When you are in need of a product or service, don’t let price be your only decision (although in many cases prices are very competitive and sometimes less). Take into consideration customer service as well as the great value of community support. So many local people and organizations go to the small retailers/business owner asking for support of their child’s school, sport or a non-profit organization and most local businesses do their best
The Grandkid By John Lazarus
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to give back on numerous occasions throughout the year. You will also see these businesses as significant contributors of time and/or money to bigger events in our area like movie nights, Breakfast with Santa, farm days, quilt walk and car show and much more. I hope everyone takes the time to read Ridley’s letter and consider some of the greater benefits you receive from supporting local businesses. Diane Askin
Sometimes best friends skip a generation.
DISCOVER MEDITATION
Meditation classes at the Longhouse Gallery, 1710 56th St, Tsawwassen Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm With Western Buddhist nun, Kelsang Delek
EVERYONE WELCOME!
Drop in any time. $10/class • $40/5 classes www.MeditateInVancouver.org
604.221.2271
RE-OPENING
THIS SPRING
STARTING FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY at 5:30pm