Dear Editor,
Re: “Alderman congratulated for 50 years on council,” News, Nov. 23.
I want to add my voice to the many voices of appreciation to Alderman Harold Steves’ service to the City of Richmond.
While I know Harold only from a distance and may not always agree with his ways of thinking, I still think his dedication to serving our city for 50 years deserves our collective gratitude.
Only a privileged few have served in Harold’s position as an alderman or councillor.
But for those of us who have done so, we know it is a thankless job.
It is an even more trying job if you are not always on the majority of the council’s side.
But Harold has persevered throughout the years and has never given up until his lone voice becomes a part of the popular voice on many issues and policies.
Voters in Richmond, a city which I have called home since 1984, keep sending Harold back to city hall.
As the cliche goes, voters are always right. So Harold must have been doing and saying the right things to receive that many Richmondites’ endorsement and trust.
This ability to withstand the trial of time is even more remarkable if you consider the city’s rapid population growth and its drastic change of demography. He has acted as the bridge between the Richmond of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Thank you, Harold, for what you have done for us. The City of Richmond is a better place to live, play and work because of your public service.
Tung Chan
RICHMOND
