I’m hesitant to take up more space in this paper but it’s difficult to maintain silence when recognizing the plot being used by the town.
If we accept a referendum or petition as the clearest expression of the will of the people, how do we characterize the misappropriation of that will, as documented in Dorathy Pfeifer’s letter to the editor last week.
Attending one of the open houses involving the advisory select committee it was hard to mistake the salesmanship at play. I won’t discount that the committee members bought into the advice of the consultants, but having the parameters of the build prescribed by multiple advising bodies, it’s possible to push a build to any desired end and imply there are no other reasonable options.
Don Cherkas resignation letter posted in the Advance June 20, 2018, had an understated ring of truth to it and suggests that the motives of the committee, presented as an objective re-evaluation, were more likely designed to do an end-run around the no vote. This speculation is supported by the panels new valuation which seems “conveniently” close to the figure previously rejected by the citizens. The Town peering around the skirts of the advisory panel’s recommendation now feels justified in continuing with their plans under the pretense that democracy’s been served.
These tactics are easily recognized, The County of Mountain View in Olds, Alberta used them against us, the citizens, after announcing plans to build a new administration building for over $5 million. The residents presented a petition 75% opposed, preferring a renovation of the existing facility. The County though found a loophole to maneuver around the petition and went ahead with their project. That building stands today as a monument to politicians ability to circumvent the will of the people. The Creston Fire Hall will be a similar edifice.
Trust, is an unaffordable luxury for citizens without recourse to protect themselves from political strategizing.
You can paint as much lipstick on this pig as you want, we can see beneath it.
Dan Siemens | Creston BC