Editor:
In the face of news of real bullying and the tragedy associated with it, the accusations by Gibsons resident Brian Sadler that citizens "bullied" three Gibsons council members at the recent Gospel Rock public hearing must be challenged (Coast Reporter letters, Oct. 19).
At the hearing, I heard and contributed to a robust event in which citizens linked campaign trails with developer interests, pointed out professional flaws in surveying reports and revisited and renewed old propositions for consideration, including recent Gospel Rock development referendum results.
Many expressed their thanks to council for consideration but, truthfully, it is the duty of citizens in a democracy to scrutinize the affairs of government, to the best of their ability, when possible, especially when agreed-upon community plans are being put forward for amendment.
I find it curious that Sadler takes exception to this, considering that one of the points raised by several citizens about increased water usage is precisely the subject he raised in criticism at the previous public meeting on Gospel Rock in spring 2011. Of course that meeting occurred under the guidance of a different mayor, and one to whom Sadler was not inclined in friendship, something he declared publicly on several occasions during his recent campaign for Gibsons council.
I'm grateful for council's decision not to proceed with waterfront development. I believe it's also worth pointing out, however, that the "no waterfront development" proposal is almost precisely the proposal supported by former Mayor Janyk and Coun. Johnson one year ago. Alas, it was defeated by then-councillors Rowe, Tretick and Curry.
Michael Maser, Gibsons
