A level of service a stranded visitor will always remember

Editor:rnI had to take the time to sit down and say Thank You to Diane Gray and the staff and owners at the Westridge Motel.
I was heading home from Whistler, B.C. to Rossland, B.C. when my car became dysfunctional, just before the Westridge Motel. I could see the Husky Station in the distance but I chose the motel front desk for assistance.
Diane Gray went beyond her line of duty to help me, by finding me a mechanic with a tow truck, phoning the R.C.M.P. to let the police know my car may be a bit of a nuisance, but she was trying to find me help.
Diane introduced me to the staff to make me feel at home. She asked the Westridge staff to get me some lunch, complimentary of the Westridge. The staff came to join me when they were on a break, while I waited for Darrell's Auto Repair to show up from Oliver with his tow truck. Once my car was off to Oliver, Diane invited me to join her for the evening so I didn't have to sit in the motel by myself, while I waited for the repairs to be completed.
I have lived in Whistler, B.C. for 17 years and have yet to see this kind of service provided to the visitors. I will always remember Osoyoos and the staff at the Westridge and Diane Gray for the kindness extended to me from your fine community citizens, and the Westridge Motel staff.
Heather PeeblesrnWhistler, B.C.

Editor:rnWhen the Progressive Conservative and NDP candidates made a personal attack on Reform MP Jim Gouk in the 1997 federal election I refused to participate because I felt that Jim demonstrated certain positive attributes as an MP.
When Jim left the Alliance to sit in conjunction with Progressive Conservatives, no one called him a dipstick, a whore or any other personalized or unparliamentary name.
I therefore say to Jim, as my MP, and all Conservatives: shame on you for allowing the kind of personalized insults that have been levelled against Belinda Stronach. These kind of sexualized insults being used to decry a female politician are not acceptable to me, and lead me to believe that the Conservatives are as unfit to govern this country as the federal Liberals.
Whether you reject or support Belinda's action, I hope citizens and voters will join with me in pointing out to the Conservatives that an MP's gender has nothing to do with her level of intelligence or actions. I therefore ask the Conservatives to cease and desist from criticizing other MPs based on their anatomy, gender and/or sexual orientation.
The Conservatives also need to reflect on the possibility that allying with a Quebec separatist party to bring down the Liberals might end up furthering the potential break-up of the country, which means that none of the current parties in the House of Commons have a license on purity of motive. All are simply grasping for power.
Andy ShadrackrnBC Organizer and delegate Advisory Committee of Political Parties/legal liaison to Elections Canada Green Party of Canadarn