Re: “Washington turns up heat for Victoria sewage plant, Senate in Olympia considers restrictions for trips here by state workers,” Feb. 27
In Saturday’s paper I was quoted as saying, “[Washington state] is our No. 1 trading partner and our No. 1 partner in terms of diplomatic relations.”
The story then went on to note that I was chairing Friday’s meeting of the core-area liquid waste management committee when I made my comments. I was then quoted as saying, “It does seem funny, it does seem like we’re in a reality TV show and these weird things are happening.”
What’s missing is what I said before and after. It’s important to clarify my comments because I do take Washington state’s bill very seriously. And I think we all should. While making my opening chair’s remarks at the sewage committee Friday, I read into the record parts of the letter our committee received from our partners at Tourism Victoria.
When I got to the part about Washington state’s proposed bill, some members of the public gallery actually started to laugh. I departed from my prepared remarks and said, “It’s not funny. It does seem funny, it does seem like we’re in a reality TV show and these weird things are happening. But it’s not funny.” I don’t want to quibble over words, too much. But I want the public and our colleagues in Washington to know we take their actions seriously.
And also that after nine and a half hours of meetings this week, as the Times Colonist also reported today, we’re making real progress. We look forward to continuing to welcome our neighbours to the south to our city and region.
Lisa Helps,
Mayor of Victoria
