Context for complaint against CFAX
Re: “Ben Isitt’s attempt to muzzle criticism,” editorial, Feb. 26.
Useful context was omitted from the editorial.
My complaint to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission against CFAX radio is not based on that licensee’s coverage of my political record or the record of Victoria city council.
As noted in materials that I sent to the Times Colonist on Feb. 24, my complaint is:
“Against the licensee of CFAX in the Greater Victoria area for breaching its obligations under the Broadcasting Act and the Radio Regulations to provide programming that is of a high standard and balanced on matters of public concern. Specifically, my complaint arises from the licensee’s unbalanced and misleading programming on the matter of homelessness and poverty in the Greater Victoria area.”
This context is relevant to the subject matter of the editorial.
It is therefore odd that it was withheld from Times Colonist readers.
I welcome a free, rigorous and critical media environment, which are integral to a healthy democracy.
Values outlined in the Broadcasting Act for use of public airwaves — including balanced, diverse programming of a high standard — are also integral to the health of our local democracy and the wellbeing of community members.
Ben Isitt, city councillor
Victoria
Isitt is speaking truth to power
Thank you Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt for filing a complaint with the CRTC about the false statements and characterizations of homelessness in Victoria disseminated by Adam Stirling of CFAX.
Stirling is speaking to his convert, the vocal and vehement segment who are offended by efforts to house the homeless rather than what, ignore them, send them somewhere else, let them suffer for being homeless, jail them?
The mere presence and depth of self-righteous offence does not exempt anyone, including members of the media, from the obligation to be truthful.
Isitt has clearly identified multiple instances where commentary by Stirling on homelessness in Victoria are downright false.
The demonization of Isitt for speaking truth to power is just as reprehensible.
Joanne Thibault
Victoria
Isitt unaccountable to the voters
By using his official position as councilor to lodge a complaint with the CRTC, Ben Isitt has magically transformed himself from the bullied into the bully.
By attempting to impress the CRTC with his office, he has instead shown himself to be willing to use this position as a method of silencing his critics.
Hopefully, the attempt will be seen for what it is: A cynical ploy by an embattled politician seeking to remain unaccountable to those who placed their trust in him.
K.M. Frye
Saanich
The old Clover Point worked well
The intense interest in our council’s latest act of meddling really doesn’t surprise me.
If you cast your mind back to a couple of years ago, you’d see that Clover Point worked remarkably well for those that chose to visit.
I would argue that included those across a wide spectrum of ages and abilities.
It was open and blessedly uncluttered with signs, plastic chairs, painted blacktop, food trucks, white lines and all the other detritus that our woke council deems essential for our enjoyment.
Simply a little piece of wilderness enjoyed by all from those who just parked and gazed at the majestic Olympic Mountains across the strait to kids dogs and families scrambling over the rocks.
Please, for once, leave well alone, move the construction equipment, give the place a sweep and save the poor old taxpayer a few bucks.
Paul Cunnington
Victoria
Clover Point is best during a storm
The best time to visit Clover Point is in the height of a storm.
To sit in your vehicle and watch the pounding waves, the whitecaps, the soaring seagulls, the crazy windsurfers as well as the pigeons huddled together in a group on the ground gives a feeling of freedom you are unable to experience in a downtown condo or nursing home.
I wonder if Mayor Lisa Helps parked her car on Dallas Road the other day, during that fierce wind we were given, and then walked down to the point. I doubt it!
There are many folks who cannot walk that distance who love to sit in their cars and watch nature performing before them.
All this money to be spent on a perfectly wonderful natural area and no extra money in the budget for the police makes no sense to me.
Anne Bell
Victoria
Parking fees at parks is a tone-deaf idea
The answer to Saanich Coun. Rebecca Mersereau and her question “do we want to continue to rely on taxation?” is yes, in my opinion.
I can think of no more regressive strategy than to impose parking fees for the nine area parks cited to help offset property-tax pressures.
I concur with Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Wilson when he states: “Basically, philosophically, parks should be free access.”
We hear constantly from health officials that we should all get out and stay active during this pandemic while maintaining social distancing. Parks are ideal for this.
Slapping parking fees in parks is tone deaf. This is especially relevant for individuals and families on limited incomes.
Keith Laxton
Victoria
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