Harold Pereverseff
Response:
Good Day Mr. Sweetman and all Members and Friends of the Lethbridge Fish and Game Associaiton,
Yes, it is election time once again, “Yah hoo” or “Boo hoo” what ever your feelings, here we go again. I am a candidate for City Council, so let me begin by giving you a brief introduction into who Harold Pereverseff is.
My family and I moved to west Lethbridge in 1987 so we have just celebrated 30 years of Lethbridge residency. We continue to live in west Lethbridge (Riverstone). I am married to Cheryl and this year we celebrated our 43 year wedding anniversary. We have 6 children and now, 6 grand children………. we also complete our “family” with our two Boston Terrier pets! In 2011, I retired after a full career with the Federal Government, I worked as a Superintendent with Canada Border Services (Ottawa, Quebec, Saskatchewan and then Coutts, and Lethbridge, Alberta) After the Customs Office closed in Lethbridge in 1991, I began working with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as a “Compliance, Collection and Enforcement Officer”. My work with CRA was field work, I was out in the Southern Alberta community dealing directly with residents and businesses. In “retirement” I have been busy, I am an advocate for the “Lethbridge Committee for Government Affairs” (You may recognize me as the representative who worked on gathering signatures on a petition to take to City Council asking for a vote during this election regarding whether residents wanted the City to proceed with mandatory “City Operated Curbside Recycling”. We simply wanted a “plebiscite” on the issue… however, City Council did not vote in favor of our petition and chose to proceed with their plans without a clear mandate from Lethbridge residents…….. this continues to bother me, as I do not believe that “democracy” was recognized) In 2014 I was appointed by the Alberta Government to be a panel member hearing appeals from residents with respect to “Assured income for the Severely Handicap” and “Income Support”. This was a two year appointment. In 2015, I was the “Returning Officer” for the Provincial Election (Lethbridge West). In 2016 I worked with Census Canada. I am now fully retired and ready to dedicate to Lethbridge City Council.
I grew up on a farm near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. At a young age, I was taught gun safety and hunting/fishing skills. I am currently, NOT a member of the LFGA. I never acquired a taste for wild game and thus never pursued hunting as a sport. I believe if you hunt, you should use the animal you have championed, to the fullest, from the head to the tail……. using even the hide (if possible) for tanning and general purpose. I believe it is a travesty too hunt and then only harvest the head for trophy, or carve out specific sections consumption either disposing the rest of the carcase in the field or throwing it away into the garbage. I appreciate the life skills of the hunt, the excitement of tracking animals and of course of taking the shot that champions your target. Although most of us are not survivalists who depend on the hunt for our existence, (with the meat counters at Save on Foods and Safeway so convenient) I appreciate that the hunt is an avid sport, one which encourages team work, skill and comradery. I also appreciate that the LFGA members are true sportsmen and sportswomen who follow the rules, guidelines and enjoy the sport.
Fishing on the other hand is near and dear to me! I love fishing and have fished in waters in many regions of our country and in the United States. There is nothing more tranquil than being outdoors on some of our pristine waters, bait and hook trolling the waters for that hopeful “catch”! I love it!
I have a great respect for firearms of all sorts and gun safety, I feel is imperative. While working with the Canada Border Services at the borders, I came across an array of firearms both that were declared and others that were being smuggled. From an “elephant gun” to “sawed off shot guns” I can honestly say, I have seen them all! For training purposes, I used ranges both indoor and outdoor and fully understand the need for both.
I have shot at the “musket loaders” range on the south east end of the city and recognize and appreciate the club they have as well. With boy scouts, we were at the LFGA range a number of times and had your volunteers make presentation(s) to our troops over the years.
I have contacted Mr. Sweetman and have requested a visit to your facility in the immediate future.
Rest assured, I am in full support of the LFGA and as a Council Member, I would be fully engaged in hearing AND listening to the concerns of your organization and any of your 1,600 members.
Best,
Harold Pereverseff