Editor:
Re: ‘I feel badly the mayor felt left out’; City sets sights on ‘political’ T-shirts, Nov. 24.
To read two front-page stories about the White Rock mayor and his council took my breath away.
This mayor, who doesn’t seem to care about the feelings of his constituents and berates them at public meetings, seems to have had his feelings hurt. Why? Most likely because he didn’t get to be a big shot at a political event.
Then, one of his supporting councillors raises the spectre of censorship at the White Rock Farmers’ Market.
I don’t know if this mayor and his supporting councillors have any real idea of what democracy means. They don’t seem to like to debate those who oppose their opinions, views or decisions. They like to meet in-camera to make important decisions. They don’t feel that they have to be responsive to the electorate, until right before they are elected.
Now, with an election looming, are they afraid there might be political discussions and debates at the public market?
That is what democracy is about – getting information, discussing opposing viewpoints and then deciding how to vote.
Now that the big developers’ money is being taken out of the equation, is the current administration running scared? The public deserves opportunities to encounter all political viewpoints, and not just those who are like-minded.
Let’s hope the current council realizes this before they vote on limiting our political opportunities.
The public doesn’t forget.
Sandra Byer, White Rock