ELECTION circa 1996: "We hoped, we dreamed and yet by a margin of 47 votes we lost a dedicated man of great measure and breadth." (Click here for New Luth Interview)

Since the election a deep analysis of the outcome has brought to light several factors that the 'friends' now see were working against him. There is little argument that having an NDP candidate running in the local mix cut into the strong support base that would have swept Luth back into office. The fact that Ms. Laushway and Mr. Luth both represent similar environmental concerns (they were both at Clayoquot) and share a similar constituency of environmentally aware islanders was certainly a factor in splitting the vote. This allowed Ms. Booth to run up the middle in a classic win for mediocrity and by such a pathetically small margin (47 votes) that over 2000 islanders who didn't vote for her woke up the next day utterly incredulous as to the sudden change in the political landscape of Saltspring. Many felt justifiably as if we were back to square one. 

It's a difficult learning experience but if nothing else we hope this little lesson in disunity is remembered three years from now when there will certainly need to be a strong and unified effort to get Saltspring back on track. 

The tragedy of course is that Luth's incredibly diligent support for expanding the parks function and acquiring significant expanses of green spaces particularly on Saltspring was a mandate he was truly dedicated to. At this point he feels as if he was cut off in midstream towards fulfilling a real dream he had for helping in this expansion. 

Happily, from recent conversations with Luth, he is still actively working behind the scenes for the community and for parks. While he has returned to his recycling business in private life, he is also making himself available as a Community Affairs Consultant and can always be reached through the offices of Off-Centre Stage at 537-5211. 

Recent actions by the Parks and Recreation Commission to further compromise the effectiveness of his continued efforts through defamation and an eviction notice are certainly seen as politically motivated. We feel apologies are in order too since he is now a private citizen whose personal life should no longer be the subject of public meetings, something the new CRD Director and PRC Chairperson at the time should have realized. 

The Friends of Dietrich Luth for now wish him all the best and are particularly encouraged by his continued commitment to community service. We will be updating news of his endeavours periodically so check back occasionally for the latest. 

Political Commentary: Former CRD Director Dietrich Luth

• A Bed of Regulatory Obsession
• Psychic Fails to See Vision of the Future
• The Nanoose Issue