In reference to the letter written by Mr. E. Anderson, Aug.1, 2012, Sooke News Mirror. I would like to offer the following comments:
I find it difficult for members of our community to make comment on issues when not in attendance. Mr. Anderson’s comment in his letter to the editor leads me to believe his comments are based on what he heard on the streets and not from what he heard by being in attendance at the July 23 council meeting.
Frederique Philip has and will remain a steward in tourism, and promotion of the Sooke area.
Noted in the exact same newspaper, “Tourism Association is funded by more than one source” Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Director Mike Hicks stated by email that the “Juan de Fuca was a founding member of SRTA and had contributed $7,000 per year to the association, amounting to one third of the Sooke contribution which we thought was appropriate.” Is Councillor Kasper ignoring the facts or is he just ignorant of the facts?
My point here is that the District of Sooke is not the only body contributing to the Sooke Region Tourism Association.
The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce originally signed a service agreement with the District of Sooke on Oct. 31, 2006 and the second agreement April 14, 2009 for Economic Development Services. Since the original service agreement, the duties and tasks of the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce has increased. Your term “public handouts should be investigated,” in my opinion is perhaps a result of your lack of knowledge on what the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce does in our community.
Coun. Kasper’s comment made at the July 23 meeting that the chamber did more in the past is perhaps his perception. Does Kasper have concrete evidence of his statement?
Coun. Kasper used a measured and abrasive tone throughout his critique of our draft service agreement, and this tone continued throughout discussion of the chamber’s service agreement. My response to Kasper was that of being on the receiving end of an abrasive tone and some who believes incorrect statements are fact.
The Sooke Region Chamber in the past year has increased membership from 140 to 196 members, created and hosted events, continued to work with district staff to host events and promotion of the Sooke Region,
The variety and scope of the Chamber of Commerce is unlimited. Chambers of Commerce are increasingly involved in more and more non-commercial areas of community such as educational, human relations, environmental, cultural and governmental concerns. We have always had a community approach on any of the events and activities we have hosted. All community members are welcome to our annual golf tournament, the Santa Parade, our awards events, mixers, educational seminars and events.
The Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business - a catalyst - a common vehicle enlightening members from the business community to work together to increase business (commerce).
Our office has an open door policy. Please stop by if you have any questions about our chamber.
Kari Osselton
Sooke
Open letter to Coun. Haldane
I was not rude or impolite at all, I was just stating as a citizen present at a council meeting that what Mr. Kasper said in regards to the Sooke Chamber of Commerce was not true, his facts were incorrect and what he said (in a fairly aggressive tone actually) was incorrect. As a citizen of Sooke I am allowed to express my opinion and not be bullied by elected officials to not use my right to freedom of speech!
Mr. Kasper has never contacted me personally yet, I don’t believe I was rude at all and I want to say again — I have the right to attend council meetings and express my opinion when I hear inaccurate facts.
I have witnessed many times the impoliteness and rudeness of Mr. Kasper in past council meetings especially directed towards the District of Sooke’s staff, I don’t think I need to apologize for something I didn’t do. I really do not like being threatened either in making me believe that if I don’t apologize bad things may happen. I will have the right to seek legal council as I