Editor:
As John Gleeson noted in his write-up of the Coriolis economic report on the George Hotel, Gibsons Coun. Lee Ann Johnson certainly did use the report as a “springboard … to deliver a slashing critique of the proposal.”
She, along with Coun. Dan Bouman, has opposed the George project from the very beginning, and “took aim” at many of the numbers. As Gleeson observes in his column on the editorial page, “Not once did either one of them give a nod to the many benefits the George could bring to Gibsons, as listed in the report.” In other words, not for them to take a reasoned, objective approach. “What’s worse,” comments Gleeson, “both Johnson and Bouman show undisguised contempt for the developer.”
That developer happens to be a hardworking Gibsons businessman of 19 years standing, who has annually given generous financial support to many community activities. He is not alone as a target, however. Similar displays of open contempt have been directed by Johnson and Bouman at others, too, such as members of Town staff, professional consultants and the Sunshine Coast Builders’ Association (labelled a “controversial lobby group”).
Surely, come the November elections, what is needed are not councillors with closed minds who attack people and respond only to highly vocal minority groups, but councillors who will approach issues in an objective, open-minded and respectful manner and make decisions in the best interests of the whole community.
Voters, inform yourselves.
Art Olson, Gibsons
