Finding the balance between two competing interests in the Fraser Valley. CIVL spoke with John Visser, a well-known local community activist. In the first part of a two-part interview, the struggle the environmental community is having in keeping the Valley Green was discussed. John says the local government is on the path of development and has ignored environmental concerns.  The city has a very strong environmental community. The problem is their concerns get overlooked by the municipal government because the government has a very strong development agenda.  John spoke about the solution lying in the hands of the people. He says the municipal government will get more interested in the environment if the people start pressuring their government by going to city hall meetings and petitioning their elected leaders. Visser believes that government needs to keep in mind, they represent all sectors of the society, not only the business community.