Dear Editor:
I congratulate the Burnaby NOW for its choice of MLA Jane Shin as its newsmaker of the year.
Burnaby-Lougheed voters bucked the provincial trend, and Shin was one of only four NDP candidates to take a seat from the B.C. Liberals while the NDP was going down to defeat provincewide.
In fact, your readers might be interested to know that Shin won in an area that hadn't elected an NDP member since 1991.
I am puzzled though by your explanation that "technically" Shin is allowed to use the doctor title, "like anyone with a PhD." Actually, the facts are perfectly straightforward: like any other person with an MD, Shin is entitled to use "Dr." in front of her name.
To help round out your story, here are a few of Shin's newsworthy activities since her election:
* Speaking up for Burnaby's film industry, which the NOW reports "pumped $408 million into Burnaby's economy last year," but which is threatened by B.C.'s growing uncompetitiveness with Ontario;
* Accompanying Korean war vet Guy Black for part of his 82-kilometre walk to keep alive the memory of that war;
* Delivering a dramatic speech at the B.C. NDP convention this fall, which left a packed meeting hall spellbound.
Burnaby NOW, I second your call for a fresh start in the new year.
I hope to see the NOW's coverage include more balance.
The voters of Burnaby-Lougheed made a clear choice for change, which doesn't please everyone, but should be respected.
Glen Porter, Burnaby
