Editor:
I have to take issue with two letters about the Gospel Rock neighbourhood plan (Coast Reporter, April 20).
Coun. Gerry Tretick is perhaps a convenient, but not a deserving target for the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) nor is the 'history' used to support the SCCA attacks accurate.
Both letters are signed by SCCA principals, the current (or past) president and the "SCCA chair," written in defence of the ex SCCA executive director, Coun. Dan Bouman.
The select committee, steered by Holland-Barrs consultants, arrived at a choice of two plans and conducted a non-scientific survey of both non- and resident public. The results showed 64 per cent against waterfront development, but as many as 15 per cent of the results were discarded because responders wanted neither, and said so.
Then came the 2008 election and the shamelessly orchestrated last council meeting before the vote, wherein the Friends of Gospel Rock and the SCCA were allowed to ambush mayoral candidate Tretick and Coun. Chris Koopmans. This manoeuvre helped Barry Janyk secure a victory of some 34 votes, even though elements of that meeting were declared invalid two months later, and some decisions officially rescinded.
The refinement-working group resulted, chaired by Janyk.
In 2009, Coun. Koopmans resigned, without replacement in the group, and, it was not until early 2011, some 15 months after Tretick's rejoining council via a by-election, that the group's "Plan" was formally brought to the rest of council's attention. Shortly thereafter, some principal developers withdrew from the 'process', leaving the Town with a consultant's bill of some $60K, there being no signed agreement with the developers.
There may be plenty of blame to allocate, but to whom and by whom?
Certainly not Coun. Tretick, who contributes daily to the proper management of the Town. The SCCA chair may claim responsibility for "advocating for conservation values within our mandated area", but not through disproportionate influence within a municipal jurisdiction. The Town must be respected for discharging its responsibilities to its resident citizens.
Brian K. Sadler
Gibsons
