The Editor,
Re: "Safe Surrey ‘disgusted’ with Starchuk’s use of word ‘retarded’ in public meeting," the Now.
Laurie Guerra became an advocate for autism awareness only after her son was diagnosed with it. Mike Starchuk has been involved for over 32 years as a supporter and co-founder of the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society, the Special Olympics, the Variety Club, and the Centre for Child Development.
Seems like Starchuk cares about issues beyond his own personal realm. Guerra's accusation that Starchuk used a "slur" is simply an example of a desperate candidate looking for an opportunity to distort the context in which a word is used in order to deflect her own platform's weakness.
Perhaps we should consider Guerra's manipulation tactics before Saturday's vote. I stand by Mike Starchuk.
G. Smeltzer, Surrey