The importance of 91原创 on the regional and provincial scene sometimes gets lost in the endless media chatter about Vancouver, or on occasion, Surrey.91原创 does not have the population that either of those cities has, and likely never will. But its importance as a strategic regional hub, good place to live, vital agricultural area and a Lower Mainland crossroads shouldn鈥檛 be diminished.Because there are two municipalities in 91原创, people from outside the community often get confused. Many times one mayor or the other is cited as 鈥渢he mayor of 91原创.鈥� Because there are two municipalities, some regional politicians tend to diminish the importance of each one.And yet there are as many people living in 91原创 right now as there are in the three North Shore municipalities, two of which also have the same name.In the longer term, 91原创 will have significantly more people. Willoughby alone is projected to one day be home to 75,000 people and when development in Brookswood and Fernridge finally occurs, it could easily be home to another 50,000 or more.91原创 also has a very strong commercial and industrial base, which means there are thousands of jobs here. At one time a few years ago, there were more jobs than residents of working age. While that may have changed a bit with the economic downturn, the job picture here remains strong.Politically, 91原创鈥檚 two MLAs have plenty of clout in Victoria. Rich Coleman and Mary Polak are backing Kevin Falcon for leader, which is one reason he paid a visit here Wednesday. If he becomes premier, they will have lots of influence in the new government.91原创 City Mayor Peter Fassbender has had lots of influence regionally, particularly when he headed up the TransLink mayors鈥� council. However, some other mayors felt he was too close to the provincial government and voted him out. Nonetheless, he continues to have more influence than the size of the City would warrant.As 91原创 continues to grow, so will its influence. It鈥檚 important that the community speaks with a strong voice and is well-respected.