Dear Editor:
Quayside Querentes – Latin. Noun: An ailment afflicting certain residents of the Quayside neighbourhood of New Westminster Signs include never being happy with local government and writing complaining letters to the local paper.
Once again, a Quayside resident squawked about the city “turning its back” on our neighbourhood, listing a litany of complaints (‘Why is city ignoring Quayside needs?, Record, May 25). The rest of the city must think Quayside residents are a bunch of thankless cranks. I beg to differ. We live in one of the nicest neighbourhoods in all of New Westminster, if I do say so myself. Years ago, I remember a resident complaining and asking for a property tax reduction. Never mind the untold tax dollars and worker hours spent in maintaining our beautiful city gardens all along the esplanade and boardwalk, as well as the annual flower baskets hung every May. Yes, our property taxes have increased, but so has our property value. Something conveniently forgotten when they sell.
Having served a short time on our city’s parks and recreation committee gave me a better understanding about the workings of our city. Maybe this letter writer – and others - should consider volunteering. In closing, might I suggest a tonic for Quayside Querentes? A visit to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside does the trick for me.
Scott Larsen, Quayside
