When I visited Willows Park this week, I was shocked at the state of disrepair of the facilities.

A handwashing sink filled with pink stagnant water. A childrenB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s climbing structure so riddled with sharp, rusted corners I had to pull my 15-month-old off it. A foot-washing station covered with moss and clogged to the point of being unusable. A drinking fountain filled with sand and rust.

With election season upon us, it is easy for politicians to focus on promises of B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·˜newB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ infrastructure, B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·˜newB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ investments and B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·˜newB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™ ideas. Good old-fashioned maintenance isnB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t the sexiest slogan, but it is the hallmark of a good community leader who is in touch with what constituents need on a day-to-day basis and practical enough to protect investments already made.

Jennifer Causton

Victoria