After a week away over the Christmas holiday, I came back to read in the Gazette the happy news about the naming of Elke’s Peninsula.
For years I have wondered whether Elke would ever be given the public recognition she deserves for her dedication (nay, her dogged determination!) to improve the environment of our city. A permanent naming like this went far beyond the type of recognition I ever imagined, which only illustrates how limited my imagination is!
What I find particularly moving is that the recognition comes from the city itself rather than from some environmental body. Elke has been an almost constant thorn in the side of the city over the years. And yet our councillors have had the foresight and wisdom to see beyond the irritation factor and recognize how important her advocacy has been for the greater good.
Mayor Crouse's statement in the Dec. 22 Gazette couldn’t have been closer to the mark: “You don’t necessarily have to agree with Elke, but what you have to do is admire her leadership.”
What an absolutely classy move this was. Bravo to all of our city councillors!
Reuben Kaufman, St. Albert
