Editor:
Our mayor, John Henderson, has taken a lot of verbal abuse lately, but before heaping criticism such as “rich and self-serving” on him, please pause and consider all John has done for Sechelt. It would be more accurate to drop the nasty names and instead describe John as a visionary.
As such, he has worked tirelessly for the people of Sechelt. In 2015 and 2016, he proposed the SSC project, a private sector venture, aiming to build affordable and seniors’ housing (400 units in total), an international school, a hotel, and market housing. Unfortunately, the then DoS council, rejected the project. Just imagine the positive impact this endeavour could have had in Sechelt on today’s economy and welfare!
In 2013, he was instrumental in the installation of EV chargers in Sechelt, not for his personal use but for residents’ and visitors’. This project has greatly expanded over the years since, as has the need for them.
In his first term, John led the design, construction and funding of the Sechelt Water Resource Centre, done on budget and completed in 3 years. The WRC was considered so innovative by higher levels of government that it earned $12.2M in total grants and a $7.4M loan, which will be paid off next year. Metro Vancouver should be asking John for advice on their North Vancouver Wastewater project, which is at least $3 billion OVER budget!
And do not forget the countless hours John has spent supporting volunteer groups and community activities.
Self-serving? Hardly!
Rich? Many leaders are financially secure. This is what affords them the time and energy to devote to public causes. It has given him the flexibility and drive to twice take on the job of mayor, to set ambitious goals, and to get things done.
Sechelt has many challenges, none of which are helped by the lack of cooperation among some elected officials and senior staff. Visionaries are often maligned, and John is no exception. Let the bickering end and the problem-solving begin.
Linda Buckingham and
Greg Deacon, Sechelt
