Re: The East Boundary Expansion Referendum:

I am surprised at what I see are the actions of our city council except one strong soul, who has the nerve to stand up for himself. I have had my own experiences in government, having served for ten years as the Director for Area E in the Regional District., and understand very well how intimidating the peer pressure can be. Good on you, Bob Wetham, for sticking to your guns.

It has the appearance to me that our Mayor and most of our council could be pulling the wool over our eyes by attempting to slide through this very major change in the structure of our city. There are just too many actions that have been taken that should raise the suspicions of every citizen:

*One, the attempt to slide through this issue during the lazy days of summer. This is not an uncommon practice of government. How many of us even noticed the last expansion?

*Two, all the "pro" advertising we have been inundated with. How can this possibly be construed as "public information"? The advertising bill for the yes vote must be enormous, and I am offended that it is completely biased, and even more offended when I get a flyer that tries to guilt me into voting yes by saying I don't care about my children's future! Oh, please! I care that my children will inherit a city that is well planned, with an eye to efficiency, and protection of lands and resources from unnecessary development.

*Three, the lie that the landowners outside the city may develop any way they want to. As a former director in the Regional District, I know this to be untrue, as the Regional District and the Province have many well established regulations in place to protect us from improper or poorly conceived development.

*Four, the statement that indicates that we do not have the available land for development. I cannot believe that with all of the undeveloped land in our existing boundary, and developed land that should be annexed, that we need this land to support what is projected at most to be modest growth in Cranbrook

*Five, the urgency with which this action has been undertaken. Why the big rush, folks - we have a community plan that we paid for, and it seems wrong to believe we know the right way to do something without even checking first. As Mr. Haine said in a previous letter, why would anyone pay for a home evaluation and then not bother looking at it to take out a mortgage anyway?

I am not so wise as to say whether or not the East Boundary Expansion would ultimately be a good thing or bad for Cranbrook, but I can think of many reasons why it is likely very bad, and I cannot think of a single reason why we need it. And, if we need it sometime down the road, I bet the land will still be there.

I am thankful for our democratic process, and that there are those who will give their time and efforts to represent us in governmental matters. However, I am offended when those elected citizens begin to think I do not care about my community, and that I am not smart enough to see what is going on. Our elected officials should be representing all of us, and not just their business interests.

I will be voting against the East Boundary Expansion.

Randy Tapp