Dear Editor,
When examining one’s time in elected office, it’s best left to others to assess the contributions. As a life-long resident of Richmond, Linda McPhail has committed to serve her community and she did so in a variety of ways. Linda’s love for and commitment to Richmond has been clear through the many volunteer roles she has excelled at.
For three terms, Linda (who did not see re-election) served on city council. With her low-key style, I know Linda is truly honoured, thankful and humbled by the confidence and trust Richmond voters placed in her. Whether as a committee member, chair or liaison to a community groups, Linda earned a reputation for fairness, dedication, balance, integrity and commitment with community groups, unions, staff, MLAs, MPs, councillors and school trustees from across B.C. who she encountered through her 20 years of elected service.
When a recently elected councillor discussed assignments, the advice received, in part, was that everyone wants Linda McPhail as their liaison but not everyone can have Linda McPhail. The lesson: try to work as effectively as Linda.
Linda’s thoroughness enabled her to articulate clear, cohesive rationales and render balanced decisions by linking policies and previous council directions with staff reports and recommendations under consideration. This clarity was often very helpful to others.
Voters know when someone is in office for the right reasons and there to serve others to make Richmond safer, more inclusive and a little better as we move forward together. Linda never lost an election. Richmond voters recognized her qualities and elected her in six consecutive elections (three school board and three council) and she is respected by people across the political spectrum.
Service, dedication, integrity, commitment to others and to Richmond, make Linda McPhail an archetype city councillor and we are grateful for her service to Richmond.
Andy Hobbs
RICHMOND CITY COUNCILLOR
