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This letter was addressed to Premier Gordon Campbell. Mr. Campbell, while you were in Hawaii, you broke the law. To make matters worse, you are trying to discount this as a "personal mistake on personal time.

This letter was addressed to Premier Gordon Campbell.

Mr. Campbell, while you were in Hawaii, you broke the law. To make matters worse, you are trying to discount this as a "personal mistake on personal time." Driving while Impaired is a criminal offence here in B.C. We have the same legal limit as they have in Hawaii, 0.08. Your action in Hawaii is not just a personal mistake on personal time, you broke their law and ours.

This is a black and white issue.

Your comments at Sunday’s press conference might be acceptable if we were talking about littering or graffiti, which is not a criminal offence here in Canada. I would be able to excuse littering as "a personal mistake on personal time." I could even excuse cheating on your wife as "a personal mistake on personal time." However, I cannot excuse Driving while Impaired.

Driving while Impaired is equivalent to Attempted Murder, not littering, graffiti or infidelity.

I for one, as a 33-year resident of B.C., call for your immediate resignation because you are playing down the severity of breaking the law and drunk driving. You broke the law while in the most influential office in our province, take the high road and resign.

Emma DalSanto

Whistler

 

How's that again?

One expects a certain amount of hypocrisy from politicians, but when a local scribe indulges in this practise, it's too much to take.

Could it be that Max's "Talkin' Bout My Generation" piece last fall was a guilt-ridden attempt at catharsis, after he wrote of his spring exploits in the nauseatingly obsequious "The Ultimate Present" (Pique, December 27th)? If CMH isn't the playground of the ultra rich and ultra corporate, I don't know what is. Also, is this the same CMH Cariboo Lodge that has local conservation groups irate because its tenure area includes prime winter habitat for several species?

We all know who butters your bread, Max. Must be hard to swallow.

Mark Grist

North Vancouver

 

Giant Lost!

It is with deep reflection that I mourn the loss of one of Whistler’s giants. For over 30 years I have pondered his stalwart watch over White Gold and the village area. His shadow often graced me with a respite from the high noon day sun along Fitzsimmons creek. Yes, we have lost one of the tallest spruce trees in the Whistler Valley during that intense windstorm two weeks ago. It is my solace that we in the community collectively ensured that the high bench alluvial forest, once slated for a golf driving range, will forever provide the opportunity to grow immensely tall trees again. Now that’s sustainability.

Tom Cole, Professional Forester

Whistler

 

I found the letter from Ruth Noden, "Where is respect for animals?" in the Jan. 10th edition very heart-wrenching and disturbing. I am so thankful there are people out there like Ruth and her husband. It renews my faith that there are still many kind and caring people in the world.

After my tears for "Jill", I felt anger and helplessness. As an animal lover, especially of dogs, what could I do about this situation? Animals in abusive situations need our help. As sleep eluded me, I went down to my computer and re-read an e-mail I had received the previous week from Barbara A. Borchardt encouraging support for amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada with respect to cruelty to animals, Bill C10. This bill will soon be put to the Senate for a vote. There is something we can do. Anyone who wants to help support these changes can visit the site: www.spca.bc.ca/criminal_code_HelpSupport.asp. There you will find an electronic letter already written that you can send to the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in a matter of minutes. It's quick and easy to do. We can also write our local MLA asking for their support.

Please help all the "Jill's" out there that we hear/see/learn about, and more importantly, those we don't.

Lois Cudmore

Squamish

 

This letter was addressed to Bruce Hall, Fire Chief, RMOW

This is a follow up to the verbal thanks I gave you earlier today for the assistance given to Whistler-Blackcomb with the fire at the daylodge. As I mentioned to you, the immediate and very professional response from your team ensured a quick and safe containment of the fire at the daylodge.

As residents of Whistler we all know that there are emergency services available, but until one has the misfortune to need one of these services, we are not as aware of the outstanding quality of this service. Your crew had a great attitude, they handled the situation very professionally and put their excellent equipment to its best use and the fire was quickly put out. Their knowledge and expertise also ensured that the damage was kept to a minimum.

Bruce, all of us at Whistler-Blackcomb are very appreciative of the assistance we received from your department this morning. Please pass along our very sincere thanks to the members who attended.

Doug Forseth

Senior Vice President, Operations

Whistler-Blackcomb

 

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Marianne Wade on winning the final council seat. Well done!

I would also like to congratulate the rest of the new council. I’m sure you will work in the best interest of the community and for the voters who elected you.

To all the other candidates, I hope you will remain engaged in local politics and community organizations; Whistler is lucky to have so many civic-minded individuals.

It’s always disappointing to lose but you may take some comfort in the words of a great president and leader:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends themselves in a worthy cause; who at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if they fail, at least fail while daring greatly so that their place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt

(Adapted)

Lastly I would like to thank all the friends, old and new, who supported and encouraged me, in particular my wife Stephanie, and son Jack. Without you none of this would have been possible.

Peace.

Ralph Forsyth

Whistler

 

My sincerest appreciation for those in our community who voted in the run-off election. I thank all the people who believe I represent their interests best on the council table and hope to stay involved on their behalf. A special thank you to the businesses who allowed my signs to be displayed on their property, to Sean and Pete at Toad Hall Studios, Dean at Whistler Cable, the great sales staff at the Question and Pique, and to Sean and Tim Thompson of TKT Snow Removal for helping me put up my signs and my neighbours Fabio, Jeff Leavitt and Les Lawther for their support. To my loving wife Tonya, thanks for supporting my political involvement.

Congratulations to the existing mayor and council. I have known many of you or your respected reputations for many years. Whistler is a great place and deserves equal representation. I hope the environment remains a priority as indicated by the community in the Vision 2002 document and I encourage the development of more public housing for our younger adults as the resort matures. These young people are the ones who make Whistler #1. They are the DJ's, the extreme athletes and the people who serve our customers with enthusiasm that people write about in publications all around the world. We must foster the development of our community by ensuring diversity as a resort town while attempting to diminish the perceived gap between rich and poor.

Whistler is a great town and it has been worth my time and money to try to represent our community. Thank you Whistler!

Tyler Mosher

Whistler

 

So ends Whistler’s electoral process for another three years. With a highly contested race for mayor, a record number of candidates, a statistically improbable tie for sixth place, electronic voting machines that didn’t seen to count consistently, a judicial review of ballots with the outcome held in abeyance pending a decision on a dot and hand-drawn arrows, a run off election and ultimately a change of three council seats, this certainly is one election for the history books.

Before the election fades all too quickly from memory, I wish to offer thanks to those involved.

WORCA and the Chamber of Commerce both hosted all candidates meetings. These events were greatly appreciated and valued by voters and candidates alike. Thank you. Research has shown that media coverage is key to voter turnout. The Question, Pique and Cable 6 gave ample coverage to candidates, allowing them to express their views, thanks. Thank you to Brenda Sims, Chief Elections Officer, for your expertise and professionalism throughout the unique circumstances of this election.

Stephanie Sloan, Dave Kirk and Ted Milner, over your terms in public office you have served your community with dedication and commitment. Thank you and all the best in your pursuits away from public life.

Kristi Wells, Nick Davies and Ken Melamed, congratulations on your re-election. Thank you for your continued contribution to your community. Caroline Lamont, Marianne Wade and Gord McKeever, you did it, congratulations. It’s going to be an interesting and exciting three years on council – enjoy the ride.

Shelley, Amar, Bob, Chris, Ralph, Rick, Shane and Tyler, thanks for running. It’s been memorable.

1,390 people voted in the run off election – more than the pundits had predicted. To those that voted, thank you for staying engaged and taking the time to vote.

To those that supported me in November’s election and then again in the run off election, I recognize and appreciate the trust and confidence that you placed in me. Thank you.

While considering whether to run or not, I spoke with many people. Hugh O’Reilly encouraged, "Whether you win or lose, the experience of running is worth the effort." Hugh, you were right. Thanks for the sage advice.

Mitch Rhodes

Whistler

 

I am writing to encourage others to attend the MY Place presentation of K2 Films. Last Thursday I was one of a handful of viewers for what seemed like a private screening.

Three awesome films – don't miss them. Talk about an inspiring delightful surprise. Headlined Adrenalin Adventures, these three films challenge the senses, each unique and each fascinating.

"Mustang" a journey to an undiscovered kingdom hidden behind the Himalayas, masterfully filmed (some in secret), capturing majestic unspoiled mountains, colourful landscapes, timeless traditions and peaceful people.

"118 Days" is what it took a group of Russian explorers to cross the North Pole on foot. Their journey from Russia to Canada across barren ice fields without support or outside assistance, pulling their supplies on sleds! Rather them than me. I was left wondering why and was glad to be in the comfort of a cozy MY Place seat in total amazement.

Lastly and my personal favourite, "Mamberamo," a journey deep into the wild jungles of New Guinea. The first white men to cross the country (jungle, mountains, malaria, cannibals and all) in order to navigate the Mamberamo River for the first time – beautifully shot, you feel like you are right there as these two vastly different cultures meet for the first time.

All tree films have National Geographic qualities, go see them. They are on for the next two Thursdays. If supported this series may continue with other educational documentaries of this style. For $10 it's good entertainment and a great escape.

Re: Kathleen Duggan & Moulin Rouge,

It seems like a long time ago, but Dec 19th saw the brilliant production of Moulin Rouge at MY Place. The Whistler Dance Academy, directed by Kathleen Duggan, were amazing. A professional presentation full of life, colour, glamour and star quality. Congratulations to the whole crew, each and every dancer, the leads, the Duggan family and in particular Kathleen. I can't imagine where you fit that huge cast backstage – it looked like you all had fun. You have talent, you were magnificent. Thank you all for entertaining us and thanks to all who made it possible. Looking forward to your next blockbuster production!

John Hewson

Arts Advocate

Whistler

 

On Christmas Day my husband and I travelled from Vancouver Island to visit our daughter, a resident of Whistler. We had contacted her on our arrival and were to continue to her residence. At some point on the outskirts of Whistler we experienced vehicle trouble. My husband drove to the shoulder of the highway and flagged for assistance.

A young woman with two passengers stopped and offered to call B.C.A.A on her cell phone. This proved unsuccessful as they were overloaded with calls. She then offered to drive him to the motel where she was on her way with her passengers. I went with her leaving my husband with the vehicle and tried to telephone from a payphone. Still no help from B.C.A.A.

At this point my daughter, who had wondered if we had got lost, had driven back down the highway and had seen my husband standing by the vehicle. She arrived at the motel and informed me we had transmission problems and needed oil. The assistant manager at the desk came to our rescue and produced a container of enough oil to get us home. He refused payment. We continued our journey with no more mishaps.

We were able to thank the assistant manager. However we were unable to thank the young woman who had offered us help on the highway in snowing dark conditions. In this day and age with the heightened degree of sensitivity to danger, we really felt blessed that we still live where good people really do help one another.

We hope she will read this letter and accept our very grateful thanks for her gracious generous and trusting act. Have a wonderful year 2003.

What a great community you live in.

Margaret and Ted Perry

 

Thank you (I think) for the recent interview publication by Glenda Bartosh and the comparison to Paul McCartney. While I do not see myself as a legend, I thank you for the recognition. It's kind of startling, even embarrassing, when total strangers want to wish you a Happy Birthday and shake your hand.

I plan to be a local for a while longer... quite awhile longer if my luck holds out.

Toulouse

Whistler