GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor in response to recent comments made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding Guelph City Council.
Premier Ford.
The people of Guelph do not demand an apology from you – we expect one.
Last week you publicly referred to the councillors of Guelph as “a bunch of left-wing lunatics”. Now while you may think that, then fine, as Mr. Ford you are entitled to, but as Premier Ford you may NOT make such a public statement without definitive proof.
“Left-wing lunatics”? Council is made up of supporters of the Liberal, New Democratic, Green and yes, Conservatives. Or does “left-wing lunatic” refer to any non-PC supporter?
And what proof do you have? What proof do you have that the majority of voters in Guelph are dumb enough to vote for lunatics? Any lunatics, let alone left-wing lunatics.
I can only assume that they are lunatics because they do not see things the way you want them to; that they do not cow-tow to your every thought with a combined mumbling of “Yes, Premier Ford.” Is that it?
Or is it because they actually believe that they are elected to cater to, to serve their entire constituency, and not just their developer friends?
Or perhaps because they have a concern for the environment and are willing to use their positions to protect it; to conserve it?
Or is it that they are truthful in their dealings with their constituents when asked the hard questions?
Or maybe because they are willing to deal with an issue and see it resolved, and take responsibility for their decisions without trying to divert attention with some witch-hunt?
Whatever it is, these are no reasons to make these ridiculous (although, admittedly, not unexpected) remarks about a council elected by their peers. Indeed, any description of those elected officials is a direct reflection of those who elected them.
And those who elected them, and those same voters who elect representatives at all three levels of government, expect an apology.
Brian Holstein
Guelph
