Dear Editor,
Re: “‘Alderman’ thanked for 50 years on council,” News, Nov. 26
Harold Steves, the longest serving councillor in Metro Vancouver, deserves our deep appreciation.
Hopefully, the city will recognize Steves’ unmatched contribution with an appropriate celebration and award.
Few of us can fully appreciate the hours and hours of dedication in attending untold council and committee meetings, public hearings, listening to residents express their concerns and then delicately balancing conflicting points of view.
To do so for 50 years in one lifetime is truly astonishing, breathtaking.
Steves, in his concern to preserve agricultural lands, local food sufficiency, his passion for our history, valuing people over profits and deep understanding of what makes a community flourish, was usually just ahead of his time.
In that, he gave real leadership. Richmond owes him a huge debt of gratitude. His example of what it means to be a citizen is an inspiration to all. We are all better off.
Thank you, Harold!
Nick Loenen
RICHMOND
