The Editor:
It is pointless to waste money promoting the north end of No. 3 Road as Richmond's Chinatown or Golden Village if the merchants themselves don't welcome the non-Chinese-speaking visitor.
Many people coming down No. 3 Road encounter much signage they cannot read. What does that say about Richmond's attitude towards those who come here to visit or shop?
Visitors will not perceive this as an issue of new immigrant merchants who do not understand, instead, they will assume these signs have been approved by the city.
The 1,000-name petition represents a significant number that should not be summarily dismissed. City councillors can, and have been, wrong about issues brought forward by members of the public.
For example, three major municipal assets, the parks of Terra Nova, Garry Point Park and Brighouse, exist today because the public challenged the city's plans for these areas.
By avoiding today's signage issue, our council has missed an opportunity to demonstrate that Richmond is both a worthy destination for visitors and a truly inclusive community for residents. And now, because we haven't dealt with the issue, Metro media are mocking Richmond's situation (The Vancouver Sun editorial cartoon, March 23).
It's time for some leadership from city hall.
Marion Smith Richmond
.jpg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
