Editor:
I am ever more troubled by the derisive tone and politicization of citizens' concerns about The George hotel application, as evidenced in the column "George terror smells like politics" (Coast Reporter, March 7).
Since when is name-calling and denigrating citizens who show up to ask questions at council meetings and rallies acceptable commentary?
To lash out at people with such vitriol underscores a blatant disregard for the effects these affronts have on individuals, relationships, our community as a whole and our democratic public process.
The simplest fact is that citizens are stepping forward to ensure a risky development project "plays by the rules." Yet, rather than addressing valid concerns, the local media choose to jump on the negative campaign bandwagon and wax political. When engaging in democratic public process is labeled an intimidation tactic evoking defensive reactions on behalf of politicians, something is wrong. When the mayor allows a "duly elected person" to publicly question the motivations of another member of council for seeking to ensure that the Town follows their procedures bylaw, suggesting the request is politically motivated, you bet there is political posturing going on.
When we cast our ballots in 2011 we did not give the duly elected people free rein to chuck out the rule book, label due process as politically motivated and vent self-righteous indignation when the constituency attempt to have some input into the biggest, riskiest project ever to hit the town.
Perhaps instead of accusing concerned citizens of trying to hijack process, destroy the credibility of others, or set up and intimidate their "enemy," Mr. Gleeson should have followed the stench of politics further back to its source.
Suzanne Senger, Gibsons
