Councilor representation duties?
Prince Rupert councillor Rice needs to clarify who she is representing at rallies
Published: December 19, 2012 9:00 AM
Updated: December 19, 2012 9:27 AM
The Northren View
The following was received as an open letter to Councillor Jennifer Rice
Dear Ms. Rice:
I am writing this letter to express my concerns as a Prince Rupert taxpayer in regards to your lack of honesty while hosting a number of public demonstrations against Northern Gateway.
First let me be clear as an individual you have the right to demonstrate, protest and speak out on any issue you choose, where I feel you cross the line is your failure to clear up the perception that your attendance is in your capacity as a councilor representing the views of the citizens of Prince Rupert.
It is true that Prince Rupert city council passed a resolution against Northern Gateway. This decision however does not, in my opinion, give you the ability or the right to hijack a onetime resolution and use it to make it appear that at each event you attend against Northern Gateway or any other protest against jobs in our community you are there representing the views of your constituents.
You are a relative new comer to our community and you may not be aware of the difficult economic times this community has gone through over the last 12 years. Your actions, allowing the appearance that city council has sent you to these events, is not only misleading, but also give the false impression to other potential investors interested in our community that our City is against job creation and the prosperity that these good paying jobs provide.
I find it further appalling that you ran for council and by doing so implied a commitment to all the citizens of Prince Rupert and early into your term you announce you are seeking to become our MLA.
I can’t help but wonder if your actions are nothing more than those of an opportunist using Prince Rupert as a stepping stone for your benefit and dam [sic] the cost to our community whose residents can finally see light at the end of a long tunnel of economic hardship.
I would hope in future you would stand up and clearly state who you are representing when you attend public events so that people will understand that you are there representing yourself or your employer and not as a representative of the city council unless council has specifically asked you to attend on their behalf.
Sincerely
Shane Deinstadt