To the editor:
I am so very disgusted by the level of ignorance being stated on numerous web forums with the subject of an event-centre plebiscite.
In 1997 the people of Thunder Bay had a chance to vote for a new acute-care hospital.
In September 1997 I gave a deputation before the council of the day to request a plebiscite on this topic. We also voted for a charity casino too. In 2003 we voted for smoke-free Thunder Bay work and public places. I gave several deputations before several city committees to get that on the ballot too. Not to mention the question committee.
With the hospital the plebiscite was done after the Ontario government said we weren't getting a new hospital and instead would get a refurbished Port Arthur General Hospital.
After the November 1997 plebiscite the Ontario government rethought its position on its original denial of a new hospital.
It took several months, but the voices of Thunder Bay were heard by the summer of 1998. In many respects the new hospital would never have been built if we did not vote "yes" in 1997.
I would submitt that both the pro and con sides for and against the proposed event centre are premature in their positions. The only proven way that "Thunder Bay citizens" have benefitted from these plebiscites was new jobs and opportunity.
Not to have them would be a very dramactic loss for everyone.
But tnly proven scientific poll is the one at the ballot box. On election day I wholeheartedly support the event centre question be placed in front of voters as a ballot question in the municipal election. I believe that our current city council is engaging in old-school voter supression tactics: don't let either side have a vote at all.
If you want this project then vote yes to the multiplex. If you don't want it then vote no. Please let eveyone be empowered to vote and decide what is in the best interest of the community. Don't deny a vote.
Jon Powers,
Thunder Bay
