There’s a new player on the political scene in Lillooet – a group of concerned citizens who want to create more positive attitudes and a more positive image for Lillooet, as well as find solutions to local problems.

The group will be known as Pro Lillooet. It was formed Jan. 15 when approximately 70 people met to discuss their aspirations for the town’s future and their responsibilities as citizens.

Several of them were in attendance at District of Lillooet Council’s Jan. 16 meeting where Bea Galliazzo read out the group’s statement of purpose and a pledge signed by approximately 50 of the people attending the Jan. 15 get-together.

She said people attending the Jan. 15 session hoped to “leave the meeting with a new understanding about our responsibilities as residents of this town. It is not enough to simply vote, pay our taxes, and sit at home on Monday nights silently wishing council luck in dealing with the complex issues that we face.”

Galliazzo continued, “We realize that by not speaking up when we see individuals acting badly, that we are in fact condoning their actions and fueling their cause. We do not want to form a group to oppose any special interest organizations or to choose sides on any issue or to back a certain candidate in the upcoming election.”

She stated emphatically, “We do want to be visibly supportive of the democratic process, support those elected to public office and promote the positive aspects of our community while seeking solutions through respectful dialogue and meaningful actions.”

Galliazzo acknowledged that people who attended the Jan. 15 meeting might have held opposing views as individuals. “But we are willing to stand up for the process and therefore stand up for the mayor and council in the difficult job they have shouldered. This is not to say that we should follow blindly. If there are decisions we disagree with, we may form a delegation to speak on the matter and make our voices heard, but we must do this respectfully and we must follow the process.”

She concluded, “We encourage people to go into the community and to educate others on the issue of communication. We should be thoughtful both in the giving of information and in the receiving of it.”

Galliazzo then read aloud the pledge developed by the group. It states: “We the undersigned pledge to become more informed, more involved and visibly supportive of the local governance process and to promote positive aspects of our community while seeking solutions to existing problems through respectful dialogue and meaningful action.”

Galliazzo told council more people have signed the pledge since the Jan. 15 meeting.

“We encourage the people of Lillooet to commit to our pledge,” Galliazzo told the council meeting. “I would like to thank council for your commitment to Lillooet and would like to let you know that I support you and that I support the process, and to be positive.”

She sat down to a round of applause from many of those attending the council meeting.

In response, Acting Mayor Wendy Parker commented, “I’ve never heard that before and I really appreciate your support and all the time it took to do that. It means a lot to me.”

“And to me as well,” added Councillor Greg deStrake. “Thank you very much.”

Pro Lillooet has created a public FaceBook website called B Positive Lillooet.