Re: “City manager leaves a legacy of success,” July 31.
Thanks to Deirdre Campbell for expressing the feelings of so many of us about our outgoing city manager.
Gail Stephens has accomplished a great deal during her time here. She has inspired staff and council to do things for the benefit of all. Her dedication to her job in the face of small-minded negativity from some quarters has been admirable when you consider that she had few tools to combat the negativity.
That is the reality: City hall staff can’t fight back against criticism. It is up to council to do that.
I worry that Victoria will be unable to attract a replacement of similar quality because of this history. I wish Stephens all the best in her new position in Winnipeg and hope that some lessons have been learned here in Victoria.
Lynn Hunter, former city councillor
Victoria
