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LETTER: Aldergrove representatives’ opposition to Amenity Fund perplexing

Township needs to end divisiveness by rebuilding its Community of Communities philosophy
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Dear Editor,

I am perplexed at the opposition of both Councillor Bob Long and former Councillor Charlie Fox to the unanimously approved amenity fund proposal that would provide Aldergrove – the community in which both men have lived for many years – much needed resources to implement the Aldergrove Core Community Plan.

To lament the fact that Aldergrove will receive $18m to revitalize its core seems at best short-sighted, and at worst, petty.

Aldergrove is a community that has long been on the fringes of the Township of Langley’s radar, and it seems that Councillor Long and Mr. Fox are determined to keep it repressed.

It is disappointing when elected officials fail to support their constituents; it is doubly so when these officials abandon their own community.

The Township of Langley boasts of being a “Community of Communities,” but in reality, it is more a “Conundrum of Communities.”

The policies of previous Councils have stoked animosity amongst communities by creating a “have and have not” situation which has resulted in citizens feeling disenfranchised. It is time to create cooperation and harmony amongst all our neighbours, and I believe this proposal encourages just that.

It is sheer scaremongering to suggest that Aldergrove’s receipt of these funds would result in other communities “losing out.” It is divisive politics and it is unproductive.

All of the Township benefits from the strength of its communities; equally, it is diminished by the deterioration of them.

We all benefit as Aldergrove improves. I applaud Councillor Eric Woodward for his forward thinking in bringing this proposal to council, and for council’s support.

Let us continue to look forward, not just to the next election but the next generation.

Let us be bold and truly build a Community of Communities that all citizens of the Township can be proud to support.

Michelle Bridges, Aldergrove

READ MORES: Township’s $18 million Aldergrove amenity constribution policy shortsighted