I don't believe there is a single person in all of the Crowsnest Pass who can say that they love this community more than you do, Gail. It's no secret, and doesn't take a genius to realize that being involved in politics in a small community and owning your own business can be a blueprint for disaster. Many years ago Gail asked me for my opinion, as her business partner, about how I felt about her entering the world of local politics in the Crowsnest Pass. We both acknowledged that if she was successful in getting elected our business would face the certain prospect of losing some of our clients (advertisers). Just ask most business people in this valley and they will tell you that the two do not mix any more than does water and oil.

   Decades later the proof is in the pudding. This newspaper has over the years been targeted and has suffered financial losses because Gail was a member of council. It's not a situation that is easy to accept when a person's business and income feels the wrath of the public.

   I personally accepted the challenge because I knew that serving the people of the Crowsnest Pass is Gail's overwhelming passion. Today as I sit and write this editorial I remind myself of how much this fine lady has sacrificed and accomplished in politics over the past 18 years. As your councillor, she was outspoken in defense of the people who elected her. She never backed down from anyone, even when they attempted to intimidate her by going after her business. Gail preached honesty, an open council, and placed the taxpayers first at all times.

   I'm not trying to make Gail out to be a saint or a perfect councillor, what I am saying is she cares deeply for her 'Garden of Eden' and the people who live here. Her record of 18 years of public service speaks volumes for itself and is a yardstick for future councillors to aim for. Who knows when another individual will come along and reach Gail's milestone of 18 successful years in local politics. Honestly, I believe it may take quite a while. Gail, your tour of duty and obligation to the public sector in this valley is now over, at least for now. Rest up Gail, get your health back on track and marshal your energy and vast knowledge for the benefit of the Pass Herald. Help us make this newspaper the best weekly in Alberta and use your expertise and vast knowledge as a publisher to benefit this local business. Just 'in case you may have forgotten, in this business we always get the last word and better yet, always remember, 'the pen is mightier than the sword'.

   Those dozens of weekly phone calls from irate taxpayers that kept coming to the Herald office are no longer your responsibility or problem. Your long and distinguished tour of duty as a public servant in the Crowsnest Pass is now history. Relax and for a change, let someone else carry a heavy political load. In my opinion, our new council will never be quite the same without Gail there to ask for answers to many questions. Welcome back to the Herald my good friend and business partner, on behalf of our staff at the Herald and our many true and faithful supporters.