The Editor,
Re. "Gloves off early in Coquitlam mayoral race" (The Tri-City News, Sept. 9).
I am surprised at Coquitlam Coun. Barrie Lynch's comment that Mayor Richard Stewart attends too many events in our community. Isn't it part of the mayor's job - councillors too, for that matter - to show support for community events?
Since Mr. Stewart has been mayor, I've seen him at countless community and charitable events, and his enthusiastic promoting of those has benefited both me and my family directly. He posts about what's happening in the community on Twitter and Facebook, along with photos of the various goings-on. Quite often, it is through his sharing of this information that my family has become aware of something happening, put on our shoes and headed out the door.
Not only is it great to hear about happenings in and around the city, it is always a pleasure to speak with Mayor Stewart himself in the community. He is approachable, enthusiastic, easy to talk to and has an obvious passion for Coquitlam and its residents - of all ages.
The city hosts several festivals and I always see Mayor Stewart at them, though I don't usually see Coun. Lynch.
I also follow city council quite closely and watch the live online streaming of council meetings. I cannot recall a meeting where Mayor Stewart was absent. From my point of view, as well as many others that I have spoken to this weekend, he is doing a fabulous job "doing city business" and promoting and supporting our city's events, residents and businesses.
I probably don't agree with everything this council has done but to suggest that Mayor Stewart doesn't work his butt off for this city is ridiculous, from where I sit. Not sure why The Tri-City News should even publish those comments.
It doesn't matter how many votes you received three years ago to get your seat, Coun. Lynch, it will come down to how many people now respect you once reading your preposterous comments.
See you at the polls, sir. I'll be leaving your box empty.
K. Marrington, Coquitlam
