Re: “Esquimalt planning advisers reject McLoughlin sewage plan,” June 20.
According to Capital Regional District vice-chairwoman Denise Blackwell, good governance and public process for rezoning applications are unfortunate “roadblocks.” Do all CRD directors support this view? Would they ever espouse such views in their respective communities as councillors and mayors?
Blackwell publicly states that if Esquimalt council chooses to accept the rejection recommendation of our independent advisory planning commission regarding McLoughlin Point, our community will suffer the consequences. I have been contacted by many members of the public who view such comments as a blatant threat to Esquimalt. Many others have described it as bullying.
As an Esquimalt councillor, my role is to remain objective on every application that comes before council. To do my job ethically and legally, I must respect good governance and due process, and I must not attempt to manipulate, bully or threaten the decision-making process in any way. By her public actions, Blackwell has displayed an opposite approach and one that should not be tolerated.
If the CRD leadership wishes to restore any integrity in this process, then it should immediately censure Blackwell and demand her resignation. At the very least, she should apologize and unequivocally withdraw her comments.
As public decision-makers, we must always work to ensure public confidence in our public processes.
Tim Morrison, councillor
Township of Esquimalt
