It was a mistake for The News to run an on-line opinion poll about who will be the best mayor in Qualicum Beach only a few days before our local election.
It is sad that Mike Wansink tried to manipulate the results in his own interest, urging people to select him in the poll as often as possible regardless of where they actually live.
Steven Heywood explains that the News poll is for entertainment purposes but Mr. Wansink says that the results will have an impact on voters because they like to back a winner.
Electing representatives to our town government is a serious business. The results could have an effect on our quality of life, our property values, the protection of our environment and many other public issues that we all care about.
Voters are expected to make thoughtful choices. Our local newspapers are expected to be impartial and fair. Candidates are expected to be ethical in their campaigning.
It isn’t about entertainment, something to have fun with as Mr. Heywood says, it is about our democratic process.
As for Mr. Wansink, he considers himself to be an ethical candidate, as reported in Neil Horner’s story in the News last Friday. One week later, his actions seem to be in conflict with his own standards.
Joanne Hill, Qualicum Beach
