Sensationalization does not build community
I am writing to comment on two recent events.
The first is the report of the City of Cranbrook receiving a sustainability award for the waste water treatment project. I know that I am not the only one who sees the irony of our present mayor receiving the national award for this project. He was one of the leaders of the group who for some time, constantly criticized and opposed the entire project.
The real leader of this project as former Mayor Scott Manjak. It was through his vision and the cooperation of our provincial and federal partners that the city was able to complete this nationally recognized project. Like most success stories there is always someone out of the limelight whose work and dedication are the glue that ensures the task is completed. In this case, that individual is the city engineer, Jamie Hodge.  Jamie was the lead on this project. He worked with the government agencies, the contractors and the public to make sure that the project complied with the requirements set forth and met the timelines imposed, so that we would maintain our eligibility for funding from the provincial and federal governments.
The people of Cranbrook should be proud of our waste water treatment facility. National recognition is one thing but I can tell you that speaking to an international consultant, he believed that Cranbrook’s system is the most sustainable that he has seen, ‘This side of Saudi Arabia.’
The second incident that I would like to comment on is the recent comments made by councillor Gerry Warner. His questioning of the integrity of our local RCMP does not reflect how this community feels about its’ police force. These men and women put their lives on the line on a daily basis. The integrity and dedication that they display through their work is an example to all.  They volunteer thousands of hours to the citizens of Cranbrook to provide mentoring and guidance to our youth. Their programs give our youth the tools to deal with bullying, alcohol and drugs.
Mr. Warner would have served the city well if he had commented on the incident by noting that it was dealt with quickly, effectively and appropriately by the local detachment.
Sensationalization sells newspapers. It does not build community.
Jim Wavrecan,

Cranbrook

Editor’s note: Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski singled out city engineer Jamie Hodge and former Mayor Scott Manjak, as well as “past councils,” for being responsible for the city winning the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ award.

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