The Editor,
I would like to comment on the just concluded municipal election in Richmond. The city council and staff did an excellent job in encouraging more voter participation by opening a lot more polling places throughout the city.
Also, the information about the election, as well as the candidates, was easily available. In this context, our local media, including the Richmond News, did a commendable job in creating more awareness about the election and the candidates.
Speaking of the candidates, all of them ran very impressive and clean campaigns. There were no dirty tricks or mud slinging. All of them acted in a very responsible and professional manner.
Of course, there were more candidates than seats. As such, some have been disappointed for not being elected. However, in my opinion, each of the candidates who had the courage to offer himself or herself for public service is a winner and deserves to be congratulated. Participating in the democratic process is the greatest reward in itself.
We will see some new faces both at the council and Board of Education tables. Greg Halsey-Brandt and Sue Halsey-Brandt will be two very special individuals missing from the council table. Both of them have devoted many years of their lives to public service. I would like to thank them for serving this community so well. Both of them deserve a well-earned retirement from politics. Enjoy your free time (if any), Greg and Sue.
Balwant Sanghera Richmond
