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Editorials off-base |
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Written by -- Eugene Fetterly
Prince George
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Wednesday, 21 May 2008 |
This letter is in response to two of your latest editorials, "Filling Kinsley's shoes" (May 14) and "Bridge opening long overdue" (May 17).
In the first editorial you basically said thanks, Colin, but no thanks, then you went on to endorse former councillor Dan Rogers and current councillor Don Zurowski by baiting them with statements like, "They certainly have the credentials," "Zurowski's popularity with voters has been almost as impressive as Rogers'" and "That's why a head-to-head showdown would be intriguing."
In the second editorial you state that in 2004, Zurowski was concerned with the price tag for a new bridge so he made a motion to direct city administration to report back to council on the cost of replacing the bridge's wooden infrastructure with a new metal structure using the existing piers, and that Rogers opposed the new bridge in his 2005 election campaign, saying there were less costly and more efficient options.
You further wrote in the second editorial: "What taxpayers are left with is the promise of a two-lane metal crossing that will open more than three years after the last vehicle was allowed to cross the old wooden bridge. For many, especially the outgoing mayor, its opening will be an occasion to celebrate. But it'll be an event that is at least two years too late and . . . a couple million dollars more expensive that it should have been."
You said in the last paragraph of the first editorial that the next mayor, like Kinsley, should also "acquire the wisdom to know when to exit with grace." Colin Kinsley has done just that and in doing so, deserves the benefit of the doubt.
When speaking of wasting a couple million dollars and too little, too late, where was The Citizen when, in early 2007, Coun. Zurowski came up with the bright idea that homeowners should pay for road maintenance? It cost us $2.35 million then, and at least as much again this year and the roads still ain't fixed.
As for former councillor Rogers, he's been off council for three years now and council has been running fine without him, suggesting that the 12 years he spent on council were all for naught.
Six or maybe nine years ago I recommended using the existing piers if ever the Cameron Street Bridge were to be replaced. But, even with your Michener Award for public service journalism, I shall rest assured that The Citizen most certainly won't be giving me a pat on the back.
-- Eugene Fetterly
Prince George
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 May 2008 )
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