Critics of Golds' Burrard Thermal opinions should state their credentials
The opinions of well-known Tri-City environmentalist — and Tri-City News columnist — Elaine Golds on Burrard Thermal should not be so quickly dismissed given her track record and credentials, and lack of such information on her critics, argues the letter writer.
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The Editor,
Re. "Golds' Burrard Thermal arguments are weak" (Letters, The Tri-City News, Aug. 21).
I would like to ask letter writer Alexi Zawadzki what his credentials are before I or the reading public put any stock in what he has to say in opposing Elaine Golds. One has to wonder if he is associated with the group called BC Citizens for Green Energy, which are BC Liberal and Independent Power Producer backers and formed so there would appear to be a grassroots movement that supports the BC Liberals' energy plan.
(You can take a look at The Tyee's article "Who's Behind 'BC Citizens for Green Energy'" for a fulsome look at this group.)
Part of this group's mandate is to challenge credible, respectable and balanced scientists and environmentalists when they oppose the BC Liberal energy plan's so-called green initiatives.
It never fails to see one of these "the public won't be fooled by the misleading rationalization" letters to the editor showing up in local newspapers across the province. It is unfortunate that most people do not understand what this organization, or letter like this, is trying to do.
As for Mr. Zawadzki, if he is not associated with this organization, and before he challenges someone of Ms. Golds' calibre, why should we listen to what he has to say? As many of us in the Tri-Cities know, Ms. Golds has a doctorate degree in biochemistry, she is the past president of the Burke Mountain Naturalists, key in getting Pinecone-Burke Park preserved, played a major role in stopping the disastrous run-of-river project in the Upper Pitt, spearheaded the creation of a wetland in Port Moody's shoreline, has worked full-time in an unpaid capacity to preserve and enhance our environment and been recognized by many organizations and the city of Port Moody for her devotion to environmental issues.
If Mr. Zawadzki is of the same calibre as Ms. Golds, then I look forward to a genuine debate regarding the issue. If not, I will continue to listen to Ms. Golds and take heed in her legitimate concerns for the environment and the impact on our communities.
Sheryl Seale, Coquitlam
• Editor's note: Someone named Alexi Zawadzki is listed as president and CEO of Swift Power, a publicly traded company specializing in run-of-river power projects, on the firm's website.
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