Priorities
15 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Disabilities, Medical, Reason Tags: Coquitlam, Disabilities, Mayor
Barrie Lynch, quoted in the Tri-city News:
And in announcing his candidacy this week, Lynch wasted little time in outlining what he believes are the differences between himself and Mayor Richard Stewart, who he said lacks leadership and has been unable to unite council. He said the mayor appears to put more of a priority on making public appearances than doing city business.
“I can only speak of the times we have had meetings that he hasn’t made because he has a public appearance,” he said. “There have also been many times that one of the councillors, usually the acting mayor, has been required to chair meetings because of his reluctance or perhaps inability to do so.”
Personally, I’d like to thank Mr Lynch for being so up front in his comments regarding Mayor Stewart’s ability to perform his duties as Mayor of Coquitlam. Right out of the gate Mr Lynch, did not speak to any of the concerns of Coquitlam residents, like transit or homelessness; Mr Lynch instead expressed his thoughts in regards to people with disabilities. He attacked Mayor Stewart, not over some political point or local policy, but because Mayor Stewart lives with a back injury that prevents him from sitting for any length of time. Mr Lynch engaged in bigoted mudslinging. This man wants to be Mayor of Coquitlam.
Coquitlam is one of the most diverse places I’ve ever lived in, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the planet. Many call Coquitlam home, this is one of the great things about Coquitlam. It’s a diversity that should be embraced and celebrated. The diversity includes people with disabilities. Fortunately for many of us, Coquitlam is an extremely disability friendly city, this is in no small measure because of people like Mayor Stewart who understand, in a very real way, life with a disability, every day.
Coquitlam needs to continue to move forward, to become even more inviting to all people, of all abilities. Attacking people because of their disabilities, has no place in an election. Are we a civilized people or do we fall victim to those who would diminish all of us by giving voice to knee jerk prejudice, instead of focusing on things that an election should actually be about?
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