Discussions

There has been some discussion this morning about Lee Bass' letter that appeared in the local daily. I had not read it myself, but based on some of the reaction it is something that people would like to discuss. I have exchanged emails with Lee and he has sent me the text of his letter to post with his permission:  
 
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City needs real leadership  
 
As a now former Brandon resident, I find it difficult to remain silent given the recent turn of events relating to the casino debacle and the Keystone Centre. “I told you so” just doesn’t quite cut it in this case. Citizens of Brandon, what were you thinking?  
 
Even if you didn’t individually believe your Progressive Conservative MLA, your NDP MLA, your president of the Brandon Labour Council, your president of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, your president of your university, the chairman of Team Brandon or your chairman of the Downtown Revitalization Committee, could you not have seen that collectively they had your best interests at heart?  
 
The only interest this group had was for the betterment of Brandon. When have you ever seen a group this diametrically opposed on most issues come together as one?  
 
The RM of Elton was able to translate another Brandon misstep into an economic windfall for their small but progressive community. Congratulations to their leaders for recognizing and capitalizing on that opportunity.  
 
Leaders lead. They don’t call plebiscites to hide behind their political cowardice. Leaders stand up on the Keystone, downtown and other issues. They don’t stall on decisions or settle for mediocre decisions made for political gain.  
 
It’s time Brandon stood up, elected new leadership and moved forward. Brandon is a great city, and with proper leadership it can realize its potential. With the current leadership, it will be mired in the quagmire it has created for itself.  
 
It’s your choice.  
 
LEE BASS  
Abbotsford, B.C.  
 
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