Editor:
Although I appreciate Sean Eckford’s discretion in omitting the more ludicrous elements of Town of Gibsons CAO Emanuel Machado’s bizarre rant at Gibsons council last Tuesday, I’m disappointed I wasn’t offered an opportunity to respond to his spurious allegations.
Machado begins by falsely claiming I’m “a senior member of the GABC.” As in the McCarthy trials of 1950, I can solemnly and honestly attest that I am not – nor have I ever been – a member of the GABC, nor have I ever donated to them. Therefore, bringing up work I have undertaken elsewhere as an example of “GABC hypocrisy” is not only perplexing, it’s just plain weird.
And what’s with the offensive comment Machado alleges that on some unspecified days – four years ago – Janyk was “strongly opposing development in Gibsons”? Just what “development” was I against? This from an individual who occupied a junior position in Dawson Creek for most of my 12 years in office – a time when we sought consultation and collaboration, then worked together to build the community that was internationally recognized for enshrining and respecting its natural capital that so many now seek to exploit.
Machado closed his deeply unprofessional tirade by levelling untrue, vitriolic slurs concerning professional work I completed years ago in Revelstoke – statements he failed to fact-check before he vented them via his stream-of-consciousness performance. These claims will be addressed elsewhere.
Thank you for the opportunity to correct at least some parts of Machado’s odd diatribe.
Barry J. Janyk, Gibsons
