Alan Martin wrote that as a 45 year Citizen reader he has found that "Neil Godbout's editorials are very balanced, much better than previous editors."
The Citizen obviously agrees as that quote is the second sentence in Alan Martin's letter. On that same page the title of the editorial was, "Giving back as big as winning." Although this letter had nothing to do with that editorial, there are parallels.
Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt and in this case the person is Jeremy Kostyshyn, who was facing charges of trafficking of five pieces of stolen equipment and possession of stolen property or so said The Citizen.
That was 28 months ago. On Friday, Sept. 18, Kostyshyn was acquitted of all charges. Acquit as defined in the dictionary is: to set free or discharge completely (as from an obligation or accusation).
Back to the giving back parallel mentioned earlier in this letter and the reason this letter should be published.
The Citizen branded Mr. Kostyshyn's name and printed numerous pictures of his face all last week when he was not yet proven guilty in a court of law. So I think they owe him an apology as in giving back. Get it?
As I understand, the laws of this land one is innocent until proven guilty.
Mr. Kostyshyn was acquitted, quite a difference don't you think, Mr. Balanced Editorials?
In this case, Kostyshyn was wrongfully dismissed when he should have been temporarily pulled out of service pending an investigation. If I were him, I would get Patrick Fagan (his defense lawyer) to go back to the Firefighter's Union and they in turn should be all over the city like a bad rash seeking not only 28 months of back pay, but reinstatement and an apology. Innocent until proven guilty.
Let sleeping dogs lie be damned.
We are not talking permits here.
Twenty-eight months adds up to almost $187,000 that the city morally (if not legally as well) owes Mr. Kostyshyn.
Not to mention his five year old son who he has sole custody of. Why should the child have to worry where his next meal is coming from and perhaps to have to stand in the bread line for something his father didn't do.
What's more, should Kostyshyn be reinstated down at the fire hall, any snide remarks from his peers should be met with charges of harassment which is also against the law since the lily whites have ruled that, "sticks and stones may break my bones" doesn't count anymore.
In closing, people and the media, especially the printed media, have to learn to keep their mouths shut.
Eugene Fetterly
Prince George
