Editor:
It was hard not to feel a degree of empathy with Art Jones and his presentation to Gibsons council bemoaning the perception that emphasis is being placed on commercial ventures such as the Public Market rather than on social works. However, I think that he may be missing an appreciation of the importance of the role of the individual entrepreneur or non-profit in making things happen. Governments generally facilitate or obstruct but rarely create. In the case of the Public Market, they had superb leadership and energy and a vision that carried all before it and fair play to them.
If people want social housing, care facilities, etc., then it takes similar individuals with ethics, energy and leadership skills to make them happen, and they are few and far between. There are lots of people who can lead others to prevent things or destroy others’ achievements under the guise of protecting “the public” but very few who use those energies to create a better world.
Frankly, Art seems like just the sort of quiet, caring individual that municipal government or a non-profit could do with, although I’m sure he would not thank me for that suggestion. But that’s what happens when you raise your head above the trench!
Chester Machniewski, Gibsons
