By Mark Brown, Vancouver BC

To force anyone to retract statements of opinion is a serious abuse of power. This abuse, having closed door meetings, refusing an  elected official entry into said meeting and not having any elected officials at this newly elected councillor’s swearing-in ceremony is a clear indication of a council that is not transparent or open. I agree with councilor Aldworth’s letter, “Welcome to City Council” and like to add that I am one of those who have said things regarding all levels of government in the “cut and thrust of political debate.”

Win Brown is my father ( I dare not state how I feel about his original online statement for, I too, cannot afford to fight a lawsuit) and I am appalled at the actions of this council. To bully a retiree on fixed income for doing his civic duty by trying to holding politicians accountable is sad. Voting is not the only way to express one’s opinion on the actions of politicians. Writing letters and holding marches and rallies are a few other actions at our disposal.

Would this council sue those involved in such actions because they may shed a little negative light on the goings-on in Powell River? I hope this abuse is made a huge election topic and the councillors responsible for these threats of lawsuits are voted out. I for one will not retract this statement, for this is my opinion and I am entitled to it.