At a time when we are losing our newspapers and citizens are feeling isolated, it is especially important that we have balanced reporting of the issues that concern us.
Had your reporter asked, she would have discovered that, in addition to, apparently, being ill-suited to public life, Mr. Berrigan and his comments were ridiculous and did not represent a “heated exchange” at all. They were also made after the meeting was adjourned, as we were leaving the room and from the safety of behind his desk.
Unfortunately, the real and important issues that needed airing were hijacked by his comments and so, we still have incorrect statistics on the level of support for this rezoning being voiced in the media, no written information supporting the allegation that the land is unsuitable for residential use and no written proof that the village’s lawyer has said that it is okay to have anonymous letters, letters from outside the village and letters that do not refer to rezoning, form the basis for their claim of 70 per cent support by the citizens of Chase, when the reverse is closer to the truth.
We support industry in the correct location.
We are not radicals who are “opposed to everything” but, putting a pellet plant adjacent to residential homes is not an opportunity, it is a disaster. The carcinogens and fine wood dust particulate that it would emit would impact our entire valley and every creature who resides here.
The World Health Organization says this, the people of Williams Lake who are living with a Pinnacle pellet plant say this, and, if our council did not prefer to muzzle and marginalize rather than engage, they would know this, too.
We appreciate your interest in our story but, please, take the time to get it right. I get phone calls from people all the time, expressing their gratitude that someone is voicing their concerns and their astonishment at the alleged level of support.
Please, let them know the truth.
Jocelyn (Joey) Nash
