Casino public hearing changed everything
The front page article by Jeff Nagel (“Search is on for new casino site,” The Leader, Jan. 24) was very informative with regards to the casino vote by Surrey mayor and council.
In the article, Michael Graydon, B.C. Lottery Corp. president and CEO, was quoted as saying, “I don’t know what changed at the last minute. Hopefully some day Mayor Dianne Watts will take the time to articulate it to us so that we can move on and learn from the experience.”
It is hard to believe that he cannot comprehend that during the public hearing process it was very apparent that the majority of the residents were not in favour of B.C. Lottery Corporation’s project and that the public hearing changed everything.
Our mayor and council are in their positions to serve their constituents and that has never changed .
He also said the local opposition was “mild” compared to other proposals BCLC has championed. What a shame. After public hearings, which apparently made our marathon hearing look mild, elected officials in other jurisdictions discounted the wishes of their constituents.
Why even have a public hearing if you are not going to listen?
Hats off to our mayor; she listened. That is what a public hearing is all about.
Mayor Watts demonstrated true leadership with her vote and gained the respect of more than just the voting public in Surrey.
Darlene Bowyer, Port Kells
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