When this column is published I will be a very fortunate man as I will be celebrating 50 years of marriage to Christina. Through all the ups and downs in life she has been my partner and best friend. What more could a man want?
Since the Optimist now only publishes once a week this column only prints once every six weeks, which makes it difficult to discuss current local issues.
In my last column I asked people to e-mail me if they would like a petition to be taken in South Delta regarding the casino approved by Delta council. Just over 200 people took time to do that. I only received one e-mail in support of the casino, but he didn’t like the location.
I e-mailed all of them and asked: Of all your friends, neighbours and relatives in South Delta, what percentage support, oppose or have no opinion regarding the casino? The average of all the responses worked out to be 12.6 per cent in support, 82 per cent opposed and 5.4 per cent with no opinion.
Since there wasn’t time to have a petition before fourth and final reading by council, many people tried to communicate their opposition to council but all received the same response from the city clerk that after third reading council cannot be given any new information on the subject.
Several people also wrote the attorney general for a delay in the project until the Peter German report can be fully considered. Everyone received the same form letter indicating the host community is responsible for the evaluation of the proposal and required procedures.
Several people also wrote the B.C. Lottery Commission saying the casino application should go through the process again in light of the German report. Everyone received the same form letter that simply said they are going through the required process.
As a result I find the opportunity for sober second thought on this project is coming from the mayor and council of Richmond. They had to wait until after Delta council completed fourth reading before they could file an opposition to the project, which they have done. Very self serving but still in opposition.
Delta council passed a motion tabled by Coun. Jeannie Kanakos last week requesting the attorney general to confirm what changes will be made to casino operations as a result of the German report. This might also be opportunity for second thought.
As this moves on I suggest you communicate with the mayor and council in Richmond to offer support for their opposition to this casino. Delta South MLA Ian Paton should also be encouraged to walk down the hall and talk to the attorney general about this.
Finally, I noticed that applications still haven’t closed for those who want to run as candidates for mayor or council in this October’s civic election so that must mean there is still time to include a question on the ballot in South Delta. It could be a simple yes or no question that asks: Do you support the casino proposed for South Delta?
Greg Hoover is a project manager in industrial and commercial construction who has lived with Christina in Tsawwassen for 25 years.
