From: Louise Parkes [LParkes@oshawa.ca]

 Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2007 4:34 PM

 To: Editor Oshawa This Week

 Subject: Letter to Editor

Letter to the Editor

Oshawa This Week

I am responding to your editorial;  Councillors need facts not fantasy ,  published  Friday July 13, 2007.

As Political Leaders there are times when we must take bold action to overcome the negative consequences arising from years of sustained inaction.

Council is not acting on fantasy but rather a clearly articulated vision that has been incorporated into Oshawa s first Community Strategic Plan.

A restored and operating Regent Theatre, a downtown Hotel and Convention Centre and the purchase of Cullen Miniatures, a proven tourist attraction, are all in my opinion,  integral to successfully implementing the community strategic plan. All three initiatives have involved detailed analysis and evaluation and will have a positive economic impact on the City and are worthy our community newspaper s  support not ridicule.

Negativity,  procrastination, dithering, task and decision avoidance through endless studies have no place in a world class city. All successful turnarounds are contingent upon teamwork,  positive, consistent and sustained actions to build confidence and momentum. The City has entered a renaissance that is already attracting entrepreneurs and investors who search out progressive communities like Oshawa. I take pride in being part of the paradigm shift occurring in Oshawa and  I know our new found confidence and success has taken some by surprise. However, I promise my constituents that I will contiue to work hard with my Council colleagues over the next 3 years to see projects through to completion. When an opportunity presents itself,  we will contiue to take notice with a keen eye and perfect aim to achieve success. Vision, leadership and action should be embraced not feared.

Please do not edit for length, call first.