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Principal editorial disappoints, offends

Letters

Editor,

It was disappointing to read last week's editorial by the relatively new editor of The Chief and realize that instead of looking forward, John French has taken us back about 50 years (People a measure of success, June 17).

By identifying the new principal of Howe Sound Secondary School first and foremost as an extension of her husband, and only secondarily by her own name, the editor has done Nancy Campbell a disservice.

Although the identity of her husband is undeniably of interest, that fact was covered in the article on the front page, as was her strong wish to be treated as a professional in her own right and to keep public and private life separate.

I doubt that John French has been privy to the finer details of Mrs. Campbell's resume and work history; therefore in stating that a "new standard in hiring" has been set by employing "great people" he implies that this is due mainly to her surname. Indeed, he adds to this insult by stating that Squamish will come to the attention of the "province's elite" now that Mrs. Campbell is in charge of the public, egalitarian high school in town.

Mrs. Campbell will succeed or struggle at her new job, but she will do so on her own merits as a professional.

Laura Flynn

Squamish

Editor,

Re: "People a measure of success"

Mercifully, citizens interviewed in Squamish were less overwhelmed than your editor regarding the news of Nancy Campbell's appointment. Mr. French states that our district has snaffled this "star" from an elite sector of society no less. What does this mean? Are our present administrators substandard, unsophisticated hillbillies? Now that we've added a couple of Starbucks, several fast food chains, more housing and other benchmarks of typical suburban developmentwe can attract close relations of the newsworthy?

I sincerely hope that Ms. Campbell will exceed all expectations. I am sure she will work diligently to succeed on her own terms. However, I have worked for and with many talented educators in this district, notably, Peter Hotston (who has chosen to retire this year). I believe this editorial was offensive in its inference that he is being replaced by a rookie, mysteriously deemed "elite" or somehow superior by comparison.

Gail Featherston B.F.A., M.Ed., E.L.I.T.E

Squamish

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