Success of Cape Bretoners nice to see

The Cape Breton Post recently carried an article announcing the appointment of lawyer Amy Saskalaukas to the province’s provincial and family courts (‘North Sydney native appointed to bench,’ April 1).

Once again a Cape Breton resident has flourished to take her achievements to a higher standard of success.

As a resident of Cape Breton for over 50 years, I take great pleasure in observing the rise of our gifted young people. What a contribution these Cape Bretoners bestow upon every walk of life Canada wide. Teachers, dentists, engineers, doctors and trades people building monumental structures all raised from ordinary wonderful Cape Breton families.

At a time when our society is struggling with concern about our future and the safety of our world these local young men and women adorn our country with talent and a hopeful future.

I further recall Jerry Ryan, a leader in our community as a chief administration officer, retiring after a long career. Marie Walsh, whom I have never met but was aware of her financial responsibilities with CBRM, was placed in Ryan’s CAO position temporarily with a salary upgrade. I assume those in charge were confident Walsh had the ability to perform these duties since she was in possession of an unblemished employment record and regarded as quite capable.

Walsh was later replaced by the now departing

Michael Merritt and once again she is tasked with leading this department.

Originally, a large sum of money was dispersed to ferret out Merritt, kind of a finder’s fee. After a short period of time, he has decided to abandon the East Coast and head back to Alberta. Now I assume those in charge have a decision to make. They can leave the local lady who over the years has maintained a stellar administration record in this position or search the cupboard for additional finder fee funding. Governing is not easy. However, sometimes the answer is staring us in the eye. Lynn Pollock Sydney