The Editor,
Re: "Tunnel suddenly a Liberal priority," Letters, March 13.
I read with some amusement, the letter from the independent candidate for Richmond Centre.
I strongly suggest he do a little more homework if he expects to be taken seriously in the debate on public policy in the province.
He has insulted the three Richmond MLAs claiming we have done nothing on the issue of the Massey Tunnel.
His claim is patently, and outright, false. I have worked on this issue here and in Victoria, MLA Linda Reid has worked on this issue and MLA John Yap has worked on this issue. Our work has spanned many years and has been focused on both long-term and near-term solutions. I have also worked on this issue as a city councillor.
I would also have to observe that not once has Gary Law approached me or my office with his concerns in the 12 years I have been working on this and its many related issues.
Need I remind Law that the Nelson Road Connector is a related infrastructure, and has been very successful. This came about, in good part, because of the tireless efforts of MLA Reid.
Next, a complaint about the length of time it will take. Really? Large multi-jurisdictional projects need extended time frames. Consultations with the public and stakeholders, local governments including First Nations, environmental assessments, seismic, geotechnical and engineering studies on the options, and construction of major infrastructure, takes time.
Would Law prefer we skip one or two of these segments?
He then offers obfuscation when it comes to how to pay for the tunnel - apparently not wanting to use tax payers' dollars, nor does he seem to want tolls. I for one wonder how he suggests we pay for such a large undertaking?
So, if we are keeping score, that's two wrongs and one obfuscation.
Rob Howard MLA, Richmond Centre
