Dear Editor:
The upcoming election is a pivotal one for the future of Summerland.
It is a confusing time with so many candidates running for office.
A large number of the candidates have only one issue in mind which is to quash the Urban Growth Plan. These are the “no growth” candidates.
Intelligent long term community planning is an integral duty of those we elect.
In the past, the “no growth” political lobby has prevented Summerland from having any long term plan for development.
We have paid the price.
The steady downturn of Main Street and lack of entry level housing in our community has been the result.
It is a potentially disastrous situation for our community.
Concentrated growth from the town core outward reduces the high costs of infrastructure — much of which is already in place — and contributes to a desperately needed tax base.
The current council has had the courage to make the decisions necessary for long term visionary planning.
I believe they deserve our support.
They have done their job well, they have done it with common sense and clear thinking, and they have done it without regard for the backlash from the vocal “no growth at any cost” organized minority.
I would ask the “silent majority” to turn out and vote only for those candidates that support carefully considered and professional, long range community planning.
George Guernsey
Summerland