Dear Editor:

I’m leaving my temporary position as Bylaw Services Officer, but not for reasons you might think. Being the Bylaw Services Officer even for a sort time was, to say the least, an eye opener, but I did appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Merritt in this capacity. I must tell you however, it has long amazed me how little common sense some people possess and how little decency they can show toward “city workers” when expressing their biased opinions or faced with their own anti-social actions. Believe me, City workers (not only in Bylaw) did not create the issues people have nor can they adapt the rules and regulations to accommodate individual perspectives. They can only do their jobs. Seek change through proper channels-you have that right-but the vitriolic belligerence toward people who have no personal interest in your affairs is completely out of line!

That said, I have to tell you that in all capacities in which I have worked or volunteered in Merritt and surrounding area-as Teacher, Firefighter, Rescuer, Vice-President of the Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union, President of the Merritt Firefighters’ Association, member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, and Bylaw Officer-I have found the vast majority of Merrittonians to be good, decent, law abiding, caring, hilarious, fun people, and I have forged many lifelong friendships here. Merritt is a unique, historic and a special place to live.

Of particular note, in all my experiences in Merritt, two stand out. My teaching years here are filled with successful, inspirational and educational experiences with students. And for those who are curious, I left teaching here on principle. I am a certified teacher in two provinces of Canada, B.C. and Alberta, and in England. And secondly, the opportunity I had to be a member of Merritt Fire and Rescue for five years was one of the most essential, heartfelt and impressive experiences of my life.

In September, I will fulfill a lifelong goal and return to my alma mater, The University of Alberta, to begin my doctoral work in education.

My wife, MJ, and I are not done with Merritt. She will continue in her position as Elementary School Counsellor with School District #58 while I kick-start the doctoral program. Merritt has gotten into our blood. Thank you Merritt, for a lot of good things so far and I trust, a lot of good things to come.

David H. K. Berezan, B.Ed., M.Ed.