'No' side pulls out of 'unbalanced' forum
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Updated: November 05, 2009 3:48 PM
While it looks likely the debate could continue without them, opponents of Cranbrook’s proposed boundary expansion have pulled out of next Tuesday’s scheduled public forum on the matter.
According to Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society president Sharon Cross, her group has several issues with the forum, ranging from not being involved in the debate’s parameters, to unequal representation, and the fact a third of her board is not available on that date, including two of the eight being out of province.
“Quite frankly it’s not going to work in the format she’s outlined,” she told the Advertiser Thursday, calling the format "unbalanced".
Cross said she was very disappointed with the forum’s structure after learning of it through the media. As the only recognized ‘no’ side at the table, CLC would be up against proponents represented by the landowners, the city, and the group Yes to Opportunity. In addition, she feels Tanya Laing Gahr is not a neutral moderator.
Should the forum be rescheduled to Nov. 12 and equal representation be given to ‘yes’ and ‘no’ sides, and an agreeable moderator found, Cross said her group would be pleased to participate.
At this time, the forum is still scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Heritage Inn Ballroom.
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