All that backtracking undercuts the message
Looking at what is happening in Ontario with Premier Doug Ford’s COVUD-19 travel restrictions, and also here in B.C. with road check announcements to ferret out non-essential travel, and the subsequent backtracking by politicians in both provinces with retractions, is the wrong strategy.
If our elected leaders are going to make an announcement on further restrictions or lockdowns, enough forethought must be applied to ensure that they do not have to backtrack, sometimes within hours, due to legal issues or political pressure.
This situation only emboldens the anti-maskers and COVID deniers and further weakens the adherence to the restrictions which have been in place for some time.
I wholeheartedly support our politicians and health officials in this difficult time but let’s get it right the first time around.
Mike Wilkinson
Duncan
Do you want a summer? Then be responsible now
We have to act responsibly now or we will not have the chance to enjoy summer because of surging COVID-19 numbers.
We need the chance to meet with friends and family in our backyards and parks while the weather is nice to help maintain our mental health. Let’s help knock this thing down!
Alanna Wrean
Victoria
No really means no when it comes to COVID-19
Re: “We want the Ten Commandments, not the Ten Suggestions,” Jack Knox, April 23.
The answer to the question “Can I go to Mount Washington?” is very clear.
No! There is no yes to the question.
Gerald Marantz
Parksville
Tough enforcement is not the answer
Re: “We want the Ten Commandments, not the Ten Suggestions,” Jack Knox, April 23.
In advocating for more rigid pandemic do’s and don’ts, Jack Knox undermines his own argument by pointing out the province’s reluctance to enforce such rules.
Replace “reluctance” with “inability” and I think you approach the heart of the problem. When police don’t even have the resources to effectively enforce the Motor Vehicle Act, how should we expect police and bylaw officers to enforce an even broader set of rules which change constantly as new data emerges?
Rather than fooling ourselves into believing we can simply enforce right conduct, our energy is better spent mitigating the consequences of predictable behaviour from the selfish subset of our community.
Only a fool believes that greater enforcement of pandemic rules will alter health outcomes in any meaningful way. The real work is being done by the good neighbors among us who need no more than clear, concise guidelines which their consciences will lead them to follow.
Doug Stacey
Esquimalt
Horgan, Trudeau could help Victoria
The Times Colonist editorial of April 23, “City councillors need to show support for the police and the people,” shows the need for an independent person to be appointed to solve the crisis in Victoria.
On March 18, I sent the letter below to: Victoria mayor and council, Victoria police, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier John Horgan.
“Victoria police union concerned over escalating violence in downtown Victoria,” Times Colonist, March 16, clearly shows the need for a solution – now. Victorians are not safe in their city.
“The City of Victoria should cease its continual refusal of requests from the Victoria police for necessary funding.
“Another issue is that the federal and provincial governments should restore funding for services previously provided.
“Premier Horgan and Prime Minister Trudeau: Provincial and federal funding needs to be reinstated and expanded to adequately deal with services needed for those with addiction, mental health problems and those who are homeless.
“An independent person could be appointed to make an in-depth look at the crisis in Victoria.
“This would include talking with the three levels of government and the Victoria police. The independent person could provide a long-term, comprehensive solution for funding for what is desperately needed for the issues described above.”
Michael Abel
Victoria
How can we control all those weeds?
I was born and raised in the Victoria and have lived here all my life. I once believed that Victoria was known as the “City of Gardens” and not dandelions.
A dandelion is a weed with large bright yellow flowers followed by rounded heads of seeds with downy tuffs.
I am appalled how people in the residential communities and business communities no longer show pride of ownership.
Care home properties, where residents pay thousands of dollars a month to live, don’t maintain the grounds.
Even the municipalities of our districts don’t keep the boulevards neat and tidy anymore. Are these grounds and maintenance people not working?
I feel this is such an embarrassment overall in our city. Is this situation something the mayors and councillors just don’t give a damn about?
I can’t possibly be the only person out there who has great concern over this matter.
It’s too bad when the Capital Regional District implemented the banning of pesticides in the region that they didn’t give people a viable alternative of how to control the weeds.
Sandra L. Sims
Victoria
Running the city like a tragic circus
It broke my heart to read about the teenager assaulted in Beacon Hill Park.
When will the violence stop in Victoria? When will respect return? I fondly remember the city as a loving community which shut the doors down early in the night during the 30 years I lived there. Both young and elderly felt safe.
I urge the city and provincial governments to change their planning and thinking, and put their combined efforts and finances into solving the mental health problems that appear to rule Victoria.
The fellow arrested after the assault is well-known to authorities, yet he is free to breach his current conditions imposed by the courts and continue to do harm.
In my opinion it is necessary to have treatment centres readily available for those needing help. All other projects like bike lanes, electric buses and outdoor cafes can be put on hold .
City council members should be responsible for the care of all citizens instead of appearing as leaders of a tragic circus.
Gail Brighton
Nanoose Bay
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