It's a 40 Hour Week (give or take we guess)

The latest edition of the City of Prince Rupert's on line newsletter features a stirring tribute to civic workers from the Mayor.

So we've dusted off our old Alabama records, searched out the YouTube universe and discovered this soundtrack to the Monthly Message.

Mayor's Message

“Town of 13,000 receives millions of liters of safe drinking water directly from their taps again today!” There’s a front page headline you will not likely see. Here are a few more. “Library staff help father of four look for job!” “Firefighters inspect ten more buildings – potential hazard averted!”

It’s a pity. As I watch the media coverage of the challenges facing Vancouverites who are currently facing a civic strike, I can’t help thinking how unfortunate it is that we don’t talk much about things when they are running well. Somehow, “Tons of household garbage picked up again today,” just isn’t newsworthy. It should be.

The fact is that serving the citizens of Prince Rupert is a small army of skilled men and women who are extremely committed to doing their very best for all of us.

They take great pains to ensure that the water we drink is safe – always. They drive buses, look after folks who've had too much to drink, and make sure our children have healthy activities. They beautify our gardens, help us catch airplanes and inspect our houses.

In short, day in and day out they provide us with a range of services that truly make our lives better. It’s done quietly, reliably and without fanfare.

And when things go wrong, this army jumps into high gear. I’ve seen City crews waste deep in sewage at 11pm on a Friday night; fighting to keep a small problem small. I’ve seen firefighters grabbing catnaps between long shifts of keeping a fire contained.

And then of course there is the long list of volunteers who bring us special events, maintain our planters, pick-up garbage or coach our children.

So this article is for all you who serve us – City employees, contractors and volunteers; who make our lives better every day; who don’t make the front-page. From all of us who enjoy the fruit of your labours, a very big and sincere thank-you. We appreciate what you do.