The Editor,
Re. "Should lists of voters be published after an election?" (Face to Face, The Tri-City News, July 27).
If I lived in Coquitlam, and if Coun. Terry Neil had his way with his idea of publishing the names of individuals after they vote in civic elections, I would not vote out of principle. It would seem that both Coun. O'Neill and Face to Face columnist Andy Radia are infringing on the right to a secret ballot with their argument.
Although the numbers and percentages are different, it is also a bit like publishing the names of people listed in the phone book to determine those with unlisted numbers. The comedian Steve Martin explored a similar theme in an early movie, and perhaps Coun. O'Neill and Mr. Radia might benefit from a viewing before attempting publish such a list, even if about 80% eligible voters do not make the effort to go to the polls in municipal elections.
A public "shaming" is not the answer.
Joerge Dyrkton, Anmore
Editor's note: Coun. O'Neill's motion was deferred to the Sept. 10 council meeting
