Editor: Frank Bucholtz’ (The Times, March 23) and Joe Zaccaria’s (The Times, March 30) recent written opinions and accusations against Mayor Rick Green are so false and malicious they could be considered criminal.
It was not Mayor Green who decided to be the “toxic leader” following the 2008 election; rather it was the Kurt Alberts’ so-called independent slate (now called the six-pack) who decided they would not work with Green.
Councillor Grant Ward gave a statement to two local papers following the 2008 election that “Green is in for a bumpy ride from the pro-Alberts majority on council.” Rather than congratulate Mayor Green on his victory, Councillor Ward chose to display complete contempt towards the voters and their right to elect the individual they felt would be the best mayor.
Unfortunately, the electors did not realize how solid the Alberts slate was, or they would have sent them all packing. Voters have seen that Ward was not alone in his contempt towards them. For more than two years, from the moment Green became mayor, the pack of six have displayed their contempt towards the voters’ choice. It was the pack of six who determined on election night that they would run a toxic agenda against Mayor Green.
Zaccaria should ask himself why he has chosen to side with the toxic leadership of the pack of six. As for Green not fulfilling his election promises, that can be a very difficult task. Even though he is mayor, he still only has one vote against the six toxic members of on council.
The voters wanted change in 2008, but the toxic six-pack have blocked any attempt at reasonable debate. Green has been stopped from accomplishing his 0-0-0 tax increases, and voters know that if they do not get rid of the pack of six, they will get five per cent tax increases per year for five years, as the slate had promised.
I do agree with Zaccaria that the voters should “keep an open mind.” The pack of six cannot bully the voters as they have the mayor.
Ben Penner,
Langley