Dear editor,
When someone runs for elected office, they are aware that if elected, they become a target for special interest groups, and venting by frustrated individuals.
The current cheap shots directed at Mayor Jangula and the Courtenay councillors are destructive and impede democracy by discouraging excellent candidates from seeking office.
Constructive criticism provides useful input for officials; i.e., the misinformed full page ads sponsored by the anonymous Comox Valley Taxpayers鈥� Alliance opposing the increase of 12 city staff is offensive; the presentation to council by a retired accountant provided meaningful suggestions for a more transparent and accountable process. I cannot determine whether these positions are warranted or not 鈥� the process left much to be desired; the mayor opposed adding staff.
As regards Mayor Jangula, when we disagree, he is still accessible and approachable. We can sit down and exchange opinions, learn from each other, and still respectfully agree to disagree.
He is continually concerned about taxation pressures on the public, especially those on fixed income.
What I cannot reconcile is the almost blanket approval by council of developers, without any restriction on greed nor any demand that affordable social housing/homelessness be addressed.
Special interest groups like the bicycle lobby and the public transit lobby that demand that the city/region incur significant expenses for bicycle lanes and more frequent transit where there is currently insufficient demand is equivalent to a Field of Dreams approach.
When buses run empty, more work needs to be done before additional service occurs 鈥� why not co-ordinate transit times around the shift/class start and stop times of major employers and the college e.g. the hospital, 19 Wing, malls, etc.
If Costco etc. delivered purchases, people could leave vehicles at home. Transit should accommodate patrons to the Filberg, Sid Williams, the Simms concerts and various festivals.
Those threatening not to vote for someone should consider Maple Pool, the upgrade to sewer and water systems, and the full scope of issues council must juggle.
Fred Muzin
Courtenay
