Editor:
What would it take for a community to succeed in stopping the development of one of its last expanses of farmland?
Certainly, if rational argument and attendance at meetings were the answer, the revised Southlands plan would be dead. Dozens of citizens have pointed out the folly of such development in the face of thousands of new houses on TFN lands and thousands more cars on local roads.
Dozens of citizens have pointed out the very real threat to remaining farmland by port expansion.
Dozens of citizens have pointed out the unique ecological richness of the Southlands.
But this hasn't worked. It seems most councillors are now mesmerized by Sean Hodgins' latest dog and pony show. He knows perfectly how the psychology of municipal politicians works: help them imagine all the baubles they can buy with their new tax revenue.
Keep scaling back the plan's scope just until resistance crumbles.
Instead of this tedious game, let's try another. Let's offer Hodgins immortality.
Let's offer to place him alongside Lord Stanley and Andrew Carnegie, two men whose names will live forever. How can Hodgins refuse?
Sean Hodgins Park, like Stanley Park and Carnegie libraries, will make this developer an icon. Children will crave his autograph.
Everyone will sing his praises.
He has the opportunity to trade a few more millions for eternal gratitude. Bloedel, Gates, Mellon, Hodgins.
Drew Meikle
