Re: Bill Barisoff’s Nov. 29 report, I have respect for Bill Barisoff, but I cannot agree to writers giving up their rights to express dissatisfaction with politicians.
I wonder if our veterans would agree with you? Freedom of speech against politicians is a right of Canadians. If a politician is not happy with criticism, should they not review their own political views? Does a politician not make his own bed? How many Canadian newspaper opinions criticize Stephen Harper each and every day? Does Harper have an inhouse therapist for his family to deal with such criticism? Is criticism not self inflicted? A transparent, honest and public serving politician is seldom criticized.
Is Dan Ashton a man of his word? Transparent? Two-thirds of the prison vote was against the prison in Penticton and Dan Ashton gave his word he would respect the voters’ decision and not put a prison in Penticton.
Is this the same respect for placing services to the Penticton Indian Band site directly east of the Penticton’s site at city limits to show the provincial government we are ready, willing and able to put a prison at city limits? (If it was genuinely to assist the PIB for other than a prison, this would be 100 per cent acceptable.) But on the other hand, it seems the mayor is finally reaching out for public opinion on job creation etc… there is a possibility he may gain respect of his critics.
I have been asked if I have a strong dislike for the mayor. My answer is, personally none. I have enjoyed conversation with him at a car show, but politically dislike his lack of public respect and his motives for the prison here. He promised there would be no prison in Penticton, so let us hope Dan Ashton is a man of his word. Penticton hopes/needs he keeps his promises. Good luck Mr. Ashton.
Clifford Martin
Penticton
