Tofino - Dear Editor -I just got back from spending over a month in Rob Ford land (I.e.-Toronto) and was disappointed to read about the "mayoral Facebook furor" in the Westerly.
Really? Torontonians are clearly justified in their furor about their mayor. But Tofitians? We currently have one of the most transparent, accountable and approachable municipal governments that exists anywhere. That openness is key to resolving the challenges that we face as a community. We need to support our Mayor, Councillors and municipal staff in continuing this open approach, rather than threatening them with the possibility of gratuitous legal investigations.As for Weeping Cedar Woman, like all art, its significance is subject to interpretation. In my view, a big part of the purpose of bringing Cedar Woman back to Tofino is to commemorate and celebrate the power of communities working together. In 1984, the Tla-o-quiaht and Ahousaht First Nations, environmentalists and community members stood up against MacMillan Bloedel and, together, effectively succeeded in protecting Meares Island. Meares is home to Opitsaht and a beautiful old growth forest that delights tourist and locals alike. And, it serves as the prime source of Tofino's pristine water supply. I shudder to think what would have come of Tofino if Meares Island had not been protected. And, I doubt that I and many others would be living here.Regardless of one's view of the benefits of protecting Meares Island, the ongoing dispute and threat of legal investigations is a waste of everyone's time, energy and taxpayer dollars.So let's get on with bringing Cedar Woman to Tofino and having it as a reminder that together we can accomplish anything we set out to do. It is time to fully let go of any lingering past grievances, appreciate what we have and work together to create a community that will be the envy of the world.Nancy PowisTofino