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Crystal Springs needs everyone to show up on election day says writer

Crystal Springs resident wants to see summer village’s character return
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Dear editor,

I found your guest column “Community in Conflict” both informative and disturbing. Informative in that I had little knowledge of all of the history of conflict and disturbing in that we have allowed these tensions between council members and a few residents to divide this amazing community.

My family was one of the original property owners in Crystal Springs in the early 50’s. I have virtually grown up out here at the lake and have seen the condition of the water deteriorate over the last 20 years.

A few years ago I was devastated by the loss of my husband, but then experienced the care and support of the Crystal Springs community members that went beyond my wildest expectations. For example, over 100 people from this tiny community travelled to Red Deer for a memorial service.

I also have battled cancer twice and have had the support yet again both times from my Crystal Springs community. We simply cannot lose that kind of community spirit and caring.

In the past few years, I have seen this community divided with all of the dissention between councillors and neighbours and this strife has cost us so much financially as a community from which it will take years to recover (multiple research papers, petitions, being expelled from the group of villages administration).

Crystal Springs has an election on Aug. 19 with an advance poll on the Aug. 5. The leaders we elect need to know that this election is not primarily about a sewer system, roads or taxes, but about something far more fundamental – the ability to lead by example and to re-unite this community.

This elected group must be effective and be able to work together to move this summer village forward! Get out and vote! This is far too important to abstain from voting!

Heidi Dandurand, Crystal Springs