Chemainus - I know this isn't going to sit well with some of my acquaintances, but I can no longer be silent.
From 50 per cent to 20 per cent and down to nine per cent, to me, equals democracy in action! In council, that's from 20 per cent to 50 per cent and to 90 per cent agreement on a decision. True democracy, right? For the majority of North Cowichan council to finally realize and understand that about 80 per cent of the input on Echo Heights' preservation was a democratic and majority decision and accept it as such, is commendable and not deplorable. Council is there to represent and listen, not dictate against all opposition, as one particular council member does. To know when to give in yourself, in favour of the majority, who put you in there in the first place, is a virtue and not a shame.If things don't work out, at least the blame can't be laid on you. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "politic" like this; 1: political, 2: characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing, 3: sagacious in promoting a policy, 4: shrewdly tactful.This provokes the question: Are we managing, contriving and dealing for personal gain and reputation or for the "majority" who wants something else? Another question is this: Do we want to be another Vancouver or a quaint little Chemainus, where everybody wants to live and get away from it all? If the town remains small and quaint and more people desire to live here, what does that do to property values? Depreciate? I doubt it.I know, everything has a price. For those who want more "civilization", I say, move to a bigger place. More wants more! I'm happy with what we've got. While I'm at it, next time we vote, don't let it be for a dictator. Hats off to the not-so-stubborn council members. Much appreciated.Rolf LebenChemainus