Dear Editor:
RE: Councillor joins ‘End the Lockdowns Caucus’, Feb. 11.
It is very disappointing that Mayor Kelly Linton is considering removing Steve Vanleeuwen as deputy mayor, especially in light of his loyal service, impressive record and commitment as a member of town council.
This action directly conflicts with the spirit of engaging in fair, unbiased debate and acknowledging differing viewpoints in order to make the best and healthiest choices for constituents. Lately, it seems that there is no tolerance for opposing viewpoints to COVID-19, whether at the municipal, provincial or federal levels of government, an increasingly alarming development in what we are led to believe is a “free” society.
This attitude cannot be condoned if we continue to think of ourselves as participating in a true democracy. Disturbingly, Mayor Linton’s reason for removing Mr. VanLeeuwen seems to be summed up in one thought, as quoted from the Advertiser: “I just don’t like his view on the pandemic.” So much for respecting different viewpoints.
It is not possible to responsibly represent constituents and make decisions without respecting and discussing different viewpoints. Myself, and I am sure many others, expect much more. I hope that this decision is reconsidered.
Geoff Hotson,
Mount Forest