The Editor,
Re. “Zarrillo says she’ll talk to lawyer about council feedback on Facebook comment (The Tri-City News, Jan. 24) and “Ctte. member defends its format, value to city” (The Tri-City News, Jan. 26).
I share the stated concerns of Coquitlam Coun. Bonita Zarrillo regarding the gender makeup of the nine-man, two-woman Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SAIP).
Just as concerning to me, if not far more so, is the absence of an environmental representative in a group that Coun. Mae Reid describes as a valuable source of information for city decision making that she denies is operating under a hidden agenda and doesn’t want to lose.
That said, blocking an elected city official from observing meetings of the city’s SAIP group is more upsetting and hurtful to citizens like me than discussing the fact, or blocking the mayor from viewing a personal Facebook or Twitter page.
Coun. Reid’s claim that suggestions SAIP operates under a “hidden agenda” are inaccurate raises a corresponding apprehension. If the group does not share such an agenda, allowing elected officials to observe meetings, instead of holding them behind closed doors, would obviously relieve the stated concern.
Speaking of remedial action, making room for environmental experts and gender balance on SAIP would, in my opinion, make it more valuable to citizens of Coquitlam.
Dianne Bond, Coquitlam
