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Letters: Open letter to Coun. Haldane

Freedom of speech is the issue with local resident and business owner

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 think my citizen’s rights are being challenged.

I don’t want personal recognition as I already have it through our business; I sent the emails about the recognition the Sooke Harbour House has received to make some of you aware that this contribution brings economic development to Sooke, which I don’t think some of you seem to be aware of. I have never used this and have never asked for any favour. I actually think that I was, for the most part, always treated very badly by the municipality of Sooke and never ever received any favours, on the contrary and quite opposite to what other businesses have received. i.e the Prestige hotel. Do we want to dig deeper there?

The District of Sooke has more important matters to look after than this. I just want to point out how interesting it is to see an elected member of the Sooke municipality wanting to take aim against me as a citizen that has always in the past 33 years done her best to promote Sooke, to help the community of Sooke grow more wealthy and healthy.

It is very sad to witness pettiness!

Frederique Philip Sooke