Editor:
Change is needed for the provincial constituency of Delta South to match today's reality. An attitude of optimism and hope for the future of Delta South is greatly needed to replace the irritation of constant uncompromising opposition to change in this riding.
A clear example of local siege mentality is APE (Against Port Expansion) and CAPE (Citizens Against Port Expansion).
APE vehemently opposes port expansion and the South Fraser Perimeter Road while always citing fears of harmful effects of Tsawwassen First Nation residential and commercial construction projects.
The APE/CAPE rally in February was actively supported by MLA Vicki Huntington and NDP candidate Nic Slater.
Yes, this corner of B.C. has been discovered as a valuable, strategic gateway to the Pacific, to Asia and the world.
So how do Delta South residents respond to this discovery? Most of us have been discovers as newcomers arriving to change the lives and the land of the inhabitants before us.
First came the Ladner brothers from England via California and Victoria guided by the Tsawwassen on their way to the Fraser River Gold Rush. Colonial settlers soon followed to pre-empt the land of the local First Peoples, primarily the Tsawwassen, whose lives and cultures were decimated by disease and confinement to a reserve.
Fifty years ago the George Massey Tunnel was built, allowing suburbanites to discover Delta South, arriving in droves to settle Ladner and Tsawwassen.
Today a loud group of anxious and fearful suburbanites is fighting change as they campaign to save the status quo of the past.
Is this old status quo picture a healthy direction for the future of the peoples, families, economy and environment of Delta South?
Instead a change of direction recognizing today's realities will enable us to face the challenges of the current Discovery.
By working with all community sectors, including farmers, environmentalists, business and all levels of government, including Tsawwassen First Nation as a key partner in Delta South, we can formulate creative and updated community and environment solutions with benefits for all.
The candidate of change in Delta South is Bruce McDonald with Liberals to work with the community of today to build a progressive, healthy and inclusive future for Delta South, the land and its people.
Carol Vignale
