Editor:

We are extremely disappointed that CLC have once again turned down the opportunity for the citizens of Cranbrook to have a debate on the issue of the East Hill Boundary Extension. This is now the second time that CLC has backed out of a public forum.

Sharon Cross apparently believes that political moderators are not allowed to have opinions on community issues, and deems that Tanya Laing Gahr is too biased to moderate this forum, even though Tanya has never publicly stated her position on the upcoming referendum. We believe that Tanya should be applauded for stepping up, getting involved in her community and taking on the role of organizer and moderator of this forum. Having an opinion on a community issue, whatever side it may be, has absolutely no bearing on one’s integrity and ability to moderate a public debate in a fair and unbiased manner.

CLC also refuses to participate because they feel the event is now too one-sided, with representatives from the City of Cranbrook, East Hill Landowners, Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook and the Yes to

Opportunity Campaign. Let us be clear: the Yes to Opportunity Campaign is no different than CLC, in that we are a group of citizens who have banded together because we believe that the boundary extension is a great thing for our community. The City is a corporation who is (a) responsible for this referendum; (b) needs to be held accountable for the decisions it has made; and (c) needs to answer the questions that citizens have regarding sewer, water, roads, taxes, etc. The answers to these questions are not for the Yes Campaign or the CLC to provide. Furthermore, if Sharon Cross and her group truly believe that what has been lacking behind this boundary extension is public consultation and dialogue with the residents of Cranbrook, then why would they deny the people of Cranbrook the opportunity to ask the East Hill landowners or the City questions directly?

In the end, we ask you this – why is CLC unwilling to allow Cranbrook residents to seek out information from ALL parties related to this election? Shouldn’t the citizens of Cranbrook have the opportunity to ask all pertinent representatives a question, whether it be the City or the landowners or CLC? If CLC to question them? For months now we have heard CLC complain about the lack of consultation and dialogue that Cranbrook residents have supposedly been denied on the boundary extension. Well, at last here’s a perfect chance for our community to have a conversation on this important issue, with all the players at the table, just before Cranbrook heads to the polls to make its decision. Let’s give the citizens of Cranbrook the debate they deserve.

Sincerely,

Brian Sims, Joey Hoechsmann & Courtney Magro

Yes to Opportunity Campaign Committee