Re: Councillor says there is no conflict in Abstract discussions, Oak Bay News, Feb. 15.
Instead of attempting to exclude Coun. Tom Croft from discussions relating to the Abstract Development proposal for the Bowker/Cadboro Bay property, we should be grateful that we have a councillor with professional experience and knowledge in real estate helping to vet this project.
Mr. Croft has stated that he has no financial interest in Abstract Development or in this project, a fact that is easily verified for any skeptics.
No other sitting Oak Bay Councillor can bring comparable expertise to the discussion table.
Why would we ask the most knowledgeable councillor to recuse himself or herself from a topic before council just because they have expertise in the field?
Should we ask Coun. Eric Zhelka or Coun. Kevin Murdoch to recuse themselves from a discussion at council on issues involving computer technology? Or bar Coun. Hazel Braithwaite from advising on community engagement because she served as a leader in the Bays United Soccer organization?
Come on, folks. We elect these people to council because they do have professional backgrounds that we anticipate will bring informed decision-making to council.
Mr. Bowker, how about before you criticize, you lay out your personal credentials, just as our councillors have done.
Philip Wynne
Oak Bay