Dear editor,
I was so disappointed that the Chamber was a victim of political skulduggery on April 22 before the Federal election as the all-candidates meeting was cancelled.
While this is old news and the election is over, it is important to emphasize the positive contribution that the Chamber of Commerce provides to this community by holding these debates.
In my 20-plus years here, I have always attended these Chamber political debates and found them always giving an equal opportunity to all candidates, whether at the municipal, provincial or federal level to present their positions on issues affecting our citizens.
When I attended on April 22, I saw three silent senior citizens with signs silently protesting one candidate. I was stunned to hear that the event was cancelled because of "violent protesters".
I guess that the "violent protesters" were tipped off that the debate was cancelled as I didn't encounter any "violent protesters".
The fact that the event chair resigned after the cancellation trying to defend an indefensible position comes after the damage was done. It is curious that he only mentions Mr. Gunn as planning to attend while he didn't mention any other candidates. Interesting.
The irony is that the Conservative was on the road to victory without his no show.
I trust that in future when these events are scheduled, our community is given an opportunity to hear all candidates.
Sterling Campbell
Campbell River
