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Water agreement seems a bit leaky

By adopting a water agreement with Nanaimo, Lantzville gets a hell of a deal on water, say some who have scrutinized the deal.

To the Editor,

Re: Lantzville signs water agreement, Sept. 11.

Lantzville district council is learning sleazily from its Nanaimo counterpart: Pass whatever you can quickly without prior public notice and avoid having to listen to constituents who elect you and pay the bills.

By adopting a water agreement with Nanaimo, Lantzville gets a hell of a deal on water, say some who have scrutinized the deal.

The giveaway ironically comes after Mayor John Ruttan stated Nanaimo could run out of water in just six years.

Either the foxes are in charge of our henhouse or proper long-term planning is not required. My bet would be: Nanaimo council has bungled things up again.

Ursula C. KnightNanaimo

 

To the Editor,

Re: Second legal opinion sought on water deal, Sept. 16.

Councillor Denise Haime’s objections to the signing of a water agreement without a referendum is somewhat hypocritical. Prior to the 2011 municipal elections, Lantzvillagers were told we were on the cusp of another, but similar water agreement, this time under the mayoralty of Colin Haime. At that time there was no talk of referendums.

A referendum under these circumstances would not be representative because while we will all pay, only those without piped water, those with contaminated wells and possibly future builders will benefit. Unless Lantzville can count on the community spirit of the existing majority of residents, they may possibly vote no because they see no direct benefit to themselves.

Behind this supposed concern for the interests of residents, I see instead a continuation of the unco-operative and often contemptuous attitude directed toward the current mayor and council. This has surely made being a council member an unpleasant, frustrating and unrewarding experience for all. It’s time to get over personal differences and either work as a team for the benefit of residents or move on.

Liz FoxLantzville

 

To the Editor,

Re: Second legal opinion sought on water deal, Sept. 16.

To read about Coun. Denise Haime’s actions towards her municipality is disturbing. Shame on her for driving her community to a hole with threats towards the council based on a lawyer’s opinion on the water agreement.

She should be grateful that Lantzville will have access to reliable water source so her community will move ahead. Instead she is breaking the harmony of her community.

Mexi Ruizvia e-mail