Dear editor:

As a town councillor I am always open to and welcome residents to contact me by phone or email.

I want to listen to their concerns, discuss ideas and find solutions to the issues that the town and all of us face each day. I am committed to representing the community with honesty and integrity.

I was disappointed when I read the letter in The Lake Report on March 14 by Samuel Young, “Is tourism strategy report being skewed by town?”

Mr. Young did not present any facts to support his accusations or statement. He simply accused me of having my fingerprints all over the recommendation to include in the tourism strategy committee’s report a photo of the NOTL Ambassadors group.

That suggestion came from a proud member of the Ambassadors, not me. The group now has about 60 members, volunteers who devote their time to welcome visitors to NOTL’s heritage district every weekend from May to October.

Sam, why would we not include a photo of these good people?

I am happy to speak directly to Mr. Young to discuss ideas and hear his concerns on any topic.

But a letter to the editor that does nothing more than hurl personal insults at me or any other member of council is not productive or reflective of our small-town community culture and values.

Coun. Wendy Cheropita
NOTL