Storm prevented us from chatting with NDP candidate Cullen

Dear editor,It seems especially sad to me that among the losses to the recent North Island windstorm was a wonderful opportunity to see and talk with Nathan Cullen in the Comox Valley.Cullen is the 39-year-old come-from-behind NDP leadership candidate whose community development work in Africa and Latin America have honed his ability to listen and led the way to a renewed vision of how citizens who want a just, sustaining and sustainable Canada can work together — even across party lines! He has been called  the breath of fresh air all progressive Canadians have been looking for.I understand that over 50 people had RSVP the March 14 event to hear Cullen reignite our belief that dialogue, co-operation and consensus are Canadian values and point to the many benefits that could come from working together to see an end to Stephen Harper’s attack on the very core of our Canadian values.In Comox Valley democracy advocate Kathryn Askew’s words, “Nathan stands head and shoulders above the others at making connections with people and providing hope for the future. It matters a lot to me that he is young and savvy enough to capture the attention of 'young' voters."I, personally, believe that Nathan’s proven abilities as a team builder and spokesperson for a just, representative, sustaining and sustainable Canada make him the most fitting candidate to carry on the leadership of Jack Layton.His passion for looking to find what we hold in common with others is the essence of democracy and may well be the necessary condition for its survival in the 21st century. Nathan’s plan for cross-partisan co-operation is the only way the sixty percent of Canadians who vote for progressive Canadian values will be represented in the next federal government.Actually there is still hope of talking with Nathan before the leadership balloting. Stay tuned to the 60 per cent Solution facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/60-solution/377854532243935, as there may yet be an opportunity to skype a conversation with Nathan over tea!Norm Reynolds,Courtenay