LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- March 03, 2009
Dear Editor:
In response to the story in a local newspaper on February 25th titled, 'Police history questioned unfairly?'
Why are you attacking Sgt. Macahonic?
While I don't believe in police violence and the use of tasers, what has Sgt. Macahonic's past in Kamloops have to do with Rosemary Doughty?
Some people seem to forget that Rosemary's job is a contract position. Contracts do end and are put out for bid again. We have not been told why Rosemary's position has not been renewed. Therefore, why all the speculation? Because that's what it is: speculation.
Don't get me wrong, I like Rosemary, I just don't like the way this story is being portrayed. I would think there are a lot more credible stories out there that could be told.
As far as I can see, you are just on a witch hunt.
Shame, shame on you for running such an article.
- Geri Swanson, Princeton
(Editor's Note: Ms. Swanson is making reference to an article that did not appear in this paper).
Dear Editor;
I was surprised when I read the letter from Mr. David Field of the BC Citizens for Green Energy.
Although Mr. Field's letter was a little late in getting here since Rafe Mair was here the week before the letter being published, it was surprising to me to hear that I should have been looking for a group of rowdy out-of-towners who were plants by the former Social Credit Cabinet Minister the speaker from COPE 378.
I am happy to tell you all that there was no such subversive activity.
So who is this watch dog group BC Citizens for Green Energy? According to theTyee.ca the steering committee is made up of friends of the BC Liberal Party like Mark MacDonald, a committee member who ran unsuccessfully for the Liberal nomination in 2005 for Nanaimo-Parksville and is part of the riding constituency board.
Robert Ruf was appointed to Premier Campbell's Citizen's Conservation Council on Climate Change for the Thompson Okanagan.
Gene Vickers, according to theTyee.ca, also has ties to the BC Liberals.
Before we start believing spokespeople for organizations with fancy names like BC Citizens for Green Energy or fancy acronyms like BCCGE, we need to check the facts on them first. Just because they sound like they are credible doesn't mean they aren't a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Mr. David Field, next time you want to make assumptions about what is happening at events in our community or others you should come on up and visit.
Maybe you might even learn a thing or two.
- Spencer Coyne, Princeton
To The Editor:
I've just had an e-mail discussion with Alex Atamanenko regarding one of what I believe could become many instances of carrying his own agenda to caucus rather than that of his constituents.
I attach the e-mails for your information, as I feel that there are many in this rural riding who support the scrapping of the highly inefficient and wasteful long gun registry.
- Fred Leard, Princeton
E-mail #1
To: Atamanenko, Alex
Subject: Bill C-301
As a constituent, I would like to see you vote in favor of private members Bill C-301 amending the long gun registry, rather than just follow the party line. This should not be too hard for you to do as other NDP MPs have indicated that they will support it and, being a private members Bill does not constitute a confidence vote. Thank you.
Fred Leard, Princeton, BC
Response to E-mail #1
From: Atamanenko, Alex
Sent: February 23, 2009 3:10 PM
Subject: RE: Bill C-301
Dear Mr. Leard:
Thank you for your email. I am copying my reply to Alex's office in Ottawa so that he can see it at the earliest opportunity.
Sincerely, Laurel Walton
Constituency Assistant to Alex Atamanenko, MP BC Southern Interior NDP Critic for Agriculture, Agri-Food & Food Security
Response to E-mail #1 - Part 2
From: Atamanenko, Alex - M.P. Subject: RE: Bill C-301
Dear Mr. Leard,
Thank you very much for your letter in which you have expressed your concerns regarding Bill C-301. The federal NDP supports the current gun legislation, although there are members in our caucus who oppose it. During the past two election campaigns, I have supported the gun registry and plan to do so again. In my conversations with police officers, I have found some to be in favour and some against.
I know there is a powerful lobby with strong support by the American NRA that would like us to scrap all gun laws. Personally, I do not want to go down the same route as our neighbours to the South, and have not found it inconvenient to register my guns. Most complaints in my office have been in regard to the renewal of licenses, which would still exist even if there was no gun registry.
It is my understanding that the gun registry has not been as efficient as it could have been and that efforts are being made to tighten it up. I am very hesitant in scrapping a program that may be working in the best interest of the safety of our citizens. I will not be supporting Garry Breitkruez's Bill. Again, thank you very much for writing.
Sincerely, Alex Atamanenko, MP BC Southern Interior
E-mail #2 To: Atamanenko, Alex - M.P.
I'm sorry sir, but I need to ask you whose concerns are you addressing in caucus, yours or your constituents? I'm sure that the various newspapers in your riding would also be interested in learning the answer to this question. Thank you.
Fred Leard, Princeton
