To the Editor,
Is transparency important? I think so. I think that even though they are in a thankless position, our local bureaucrats and officials get it and really try hard to live up to the highest standards.
But—and you knew there would be a but—the Regional Transportation Committee chaired by the Port Alberni Port Authority has been the exception.
This is a committee whose members have, over the last two years, had multiple high level discussions with ministers and the premier. This is a committee that has compelled the Ministry of Transport to conduct a new study and issue a new report on a new highway.
It’s also a committee that has disputed that report in the media. It’s a committee that only seems to announce its intentions when asked. It’s a committee that meets in private and releases none of its work.
This is not transparency. Taxpayers deserve better for $100-million-dollar decisions.
This critical issue demands detailed and sober consideration and the public’s participation and engagement. Where is our Official Community Plan? How does this fit in?
I hope this committee opens up and lets the public in on its plans for the Alberni Valley.
Chris Alemany,
Port Alberni