Editor:
Re: Surrey First spent $700,000 for sweep, March 20.
I read with interest, but not with any surprise, the list of contributors to the Surrey First’s election campaign.
In light of such support, it is small wonder that a truly independent voice has no real chance of being elected against a slate of candidates for one party – a depressing thought in terms of both democracy and also any critical review of the council’s decision-making process.
Also, the issue of potential conflict of interest has to be raised, when contractors prove to be such significant donors to the team with ultimate responsibility for planning decisions. For example, when Qualico Developments’ next project comes up for planning approval, the Surrey First slate of councillors should absent themselves from any discussion of, or voting on, the proposal.
Of course, if that were to happen, nothing could be decided.
I seek only to point out that such funding to a single slate has inherent dangers and leave your readers to draw their own conclusions.
Robin Harper, Surrey