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Letter: Young speaker at Port Moody council meeting should be applauded

The Editor, Like many Port Moody residents, I watched the Oct. 8 city council meeting with a wide range of emotions. I have little to add to the general discourse other than to echo the sentiments of Coun.
Tri-City News
Port Moody councillors Amy Lubik and Meghan Lahti stand after a speaker from the public gallery chal
Port Moody councillors Amy Lubik and Meghan Lahti stand after a speaker from the public gallery challenged councillors to do so to show their support for Mayor Rob Vagramov to resume his leave of absence while his charge of sexual assault is still outstanding. They were joined by the other two female members of council, Diana Dilworth and Zoe Royer, while the three male councillors, Hunter Madsen, Steven Milani and Vagramov, remained seated.MARIO BARTEL/THE TRI-CITY NEWS

The Editor,

Like many Port Moody residents, I watched the Oct. 8 city council meeting with a wide range of emotions.

I have little to add to the general discourse other than to echo the sentiments of Coun. Zoe Royer about the value of a council forum that is conducted with decorum and sanctity.

To that end, there is something specific to mention: I watched a brave very young woman get up to speak to council, to express her sentiments, fears and emotions. She should be commended. Speaking in public is a fear for many. Contributing to civic discourse is something that is a vital part of a healthy democracy. A young person brave enough to overcome fears and contribute to that discourse should be lauded and applauded. This is all the more true when speaking to a challenging topic that has been made unnecessarily divisive.

All Port Moody residents should be thankful to her for standing up, for speaking up. Thank you.

A subsequent speaker who seemed to question her actions needs to reconsider and look for empathy and sensitivity on this topic more generally.

Alexander Coombes, Port Moody