The Editor,
Re: "Crime, lies and damned statistics," the Now opinion column, Oct. 30.
Thank you to Adrian MacNair for sharing his views about politicians' crime-dominated agenda in the upcoming Surrey civic election.
Like builders who claim to tap into savvy home-buyers' needs, Surrey's civic politicians are pandering to voters' fear of crime as the deciding issue in this election. How has this occurred? And, to what end?
Let's not forget about other issues such as fiscal accountability, transportation, parks and recreation, housing and homelessness and how these impact our quality of living in Surrey.
While the politicians debate the issue of crime prevention, Surrey RCMP continue to demonstrate their commitment 24 /7 to public safety, no matter which politicians are elected.
On Sept. 20, in a filled-to-capacity banquet room at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, I attended a Block Watch symposium organized by Surrey RCMP, the City of Surrey and ICBC.
RCMP chief Bill Fordy set the tone of the inaugural session by saying, "I don't believe you need to carry a gun or a badge to make the community safer."
The focus of this engaging and informative event was to promote safe homes and safe communities by reaching out to citizens to make a difference. Block Watch symposium participants were encouraged to be mindful about suspicious activities, to learn to identify signs of crime and to report those observations to appropriate authorities, who could then act accordingly.
Surrey's fire chief then explained how bylaws can be used to curb criminal activity. Dale Carr of Surrey RCMP reminded us that crime has no borders. Also, Owen Croy of Surrey Parks and Recreation spoke about building community by neighbours connecting in our parks.
At the end of the day, crime prevention is everyone's responsibility.
Voters, be wary of statistics.
Lorelei Quiding,
Surrey