Dear Editor:
Re: Taxpayers foot the $41,904 bill for VIP golfers, Burnaby NOW, Oct. 3.
I had been out of the country, but someone put the above mentioned article on my desk.
My first instinctive response "This is an outright lie; dishonest and perverted journalism that I have ever seen." Why?
I called the head golf pro at Riverway. Question: "Has any one of the paying public been denied playing golf in Burnaby because of city officials having playing privileges?" No, not to my knowledge - We can accommodate a lot of golfers."
Please, you understand that Burnaby DID NOT PAY ONE DOLLAR, contrary to what Mr. Zinn reported. Apparently, Mr. Zinn does not understand this, it obviously seems too complex for him, or he may be in the business of spinning and thereby may create lies! It would be an insult to the citizens of Burnaby, being lied to!
On another note, can you imagine, our mayor, Mr. Derek Corrigan , the chief executive officer of a $408 million corporation (City of Burnaby) showcasing visiting guests and foreign dignitaries to our fine city by showing them our great golfing facilities, then excusing himself, "I must pay the green fees first, just before teeing off."
I am certain there is not a city councillor or appointed person in Burnaby that accepts office because of free golf or any other benefits.
Yes, there is a little bit of ego, I think people run for office, hoping to be able to contribute a little to make life more comfortable, secure and healthy to live in Burnaby.
Why can't a reporter do a little research to see what our elected officials endure and accomplish. Please, some positive reporting, see how much time mayor and councillors spend away from family on behalf of the city's business. How about committee work? Etc. Also, our staff works enthusiastically and diligently. How about the many volunteers. I was proud to be part of our Burnaby team, elected, appointed and staff.
We are so blessed to live in such a great community and wonderful country, considering where I came from as a young child:
That is where the government would round up the young fathers in the community, line them up on a wall and execute (shoot) them. Reason: They believed in a living God: and thereby leaving a young mother with four small boys, aged three to nine years.
Yes, I do like informative reporting, but it has to be researched, unbiased and honest. I think Mr. Zinn should get out of his comfort zone and see what the world is really like and he could appreciate our fair city, so he could report honestly, effectively and truthfully.
Dr. E. Nikolai, Freeman, City of Burnaby
