Editor:
Sechelt Coun. Mike Shanks's prepared outburst during a council meeting on Jan. 16 shows the lack of professionalism of this self-proclaimed expert council member.
If Shanks has learned anything in his 16 years of experience, why then would he make damaging and outrageous public statements about a local business? Insinuating that he gathered "considerable public input" and that "there was a very huge perception, if not an actual conflict of interest, by the community."
If that were true, why was there no public record of such concerns, statements or accusations made by the community in writing, or at the Stockwell rezoning public hearing? He states, "Often a legal opinion on such issues is not the determining factor, but the court of public opinion is." I'm confused about this comment, the court of public opinion versus legal opinion? Who are these "very huge" numbers of people Shanks is referring to? His friends? Not exactly the court of all the public's opinion.
So, Shanks, are you suggesting that those of us who call Sechelt our hometown should have decisions made by a separate mayor and council comprised of strangers gathered from unrelated municipalities to ensure no possible connection could exist? Are you suggesting that all developers need not contribute to their communities and should stay clear of all associations and memberships or do business in the town in which they live?
Based on your public smearing of our current mayor and council, you are sending an irresponsible message to potential investors that if they are interested in Sechelt, that's all fine and good, but you'd better not live here.
Dick Nelson, Sechelt
