To the editor:
In response to Couns. Virdiramo and Boshcoff's remarks stating that my comments were patently false is nothing short of smoke and mirrors.
At no point, in any comment or statement that I have made at Board meetings at the CLE, or statements in the press have I ever stated that there was drinking during board meetings, or in the Cardinal Room.
Let's be clear, I have always stated that the drinking took place after Board meetings, in the board room where there is an open 24/7 bar which is unmonitored.
I have never talked about or displayed a concern over members having a drink. I have made comments on the liability to the CLE if someone who drinks too much leaves the CLE in their vehicle, and hits another car or person and heaven forbid, kills or maims someone.
That has always been my focus of concern, along with the issue that drinking too much, then getting in your vehicle to drive home is against the Criminal Code of Canada. Couns. Virdiramo and Boshcoff know exactly where the bar is and when the drinking takes place.
They have both on occasion been in the boardroom after the board meeting has adjourned.
The only drinking that takes place in the Cardinal Room with the directors is during the fair, where an open bar is in place to serve board members, their guests and entertainers.
The room is licensed for that event. Again, both of the city councillors are fully aware of that fact. How could they not, they have been on the CLE Board for at least the past two terms of council, where the practice has not changed.
This will make excellent fodder for a debate when and if either of these councillors run for re-election as councillor or mayor in the not too far away municipal election.
Linda Gambee,
Thunder?Bay
