Dear Editor,

One gets the feeling he is living Mariposa, or at least inside of W.O. Mitchell novel, given the events, revelations, and testimonies of the past few weeks! And I like it, can’t wait for the next episode to unfold!

This is all extremely edifying and positive as the news is reported in the RV Times. Communities drawing together, a second, maybe even a third chuck wagon is moving in, drawing round the rotating, centre ring chuck wagons of the ‘establishment’, to attack or to fortify. See the carousel ponies at this summer fair move up and down! When the dust settles I can’t help but feel that all witnessing this exhibition will emerge with a new sense of pride, in every fold of the Rocky Mountain trench. And the screaming will be heard all the way up to Prince George! We are witnessing the birthing pains of ultimately, a better sense of the greater community we live in, as important, grass roots initiative manifests itself.

I believe that the days of complacency and public apathy, as we move ahead in this new millennium are over! Some fine newspaper reporting, a great selection of published letters to the editor, this forum for welcome public input cannot be undervalued, or understated, or as important factors in the new synergy. (Putin would hate such a thing in his country today, tantamount to revolution or anarchy!) But going off on a bit of a tangent... I feel a sense of nostalgia for the olden days and that extra tool of accountability, live VCTV broadcasts from Village Council Chambers. I believe they helped keep our Council members sharp on their toes, conditioned, in better form, and prepared for whatever business, debate, or controversy was on the horizon. Unfortunately, this devoted engagement was prior to the new and improved Village Office facilities being built, the new command post, municipal seat of power across the highway. Alas, they are days of yore unless plans to complete the new audio/visual installations from the broadcast centre are completed. After all, the new edifice is touted to be an Olympic class audio/visual resource centre, a benevolent legacy for the public, a gift from the Province, or from us-to-us, as the case may be.

Truly appreciating your newspaper, the editorials, and published letters to the editor, whether online or hard copy. It’s rollicking fruitful days for the newspaper Editor, n’est pas?

Cheers, Peter Fox, Valemount