In response to K. Bach’s letter (Support Ajax in Principle, But Not at Public Forums, Daily News, Sept. 20), one wonders just how well informed he is about Ajax. He states that his support for Ajax is based primarily on job creation and economic stimulus, but that we must also be responsible for the environment.

Mr. Bach then goes on to state that those opposed to the mine have completely shut out all information; their minds are made up. He, on the other hand, reserves the right to change his mind as the facts come in.

Thanks to the Kamloops Area Preservation Association (KAPA), a great deal of information has been researched and made public for the past year. And yes, our minds are made up on certain issues. For example, the proposed mine is far too close to the city and would, if approved, undoubtedly have severe negative consequences.

These include negative health, economic and environmental impacts. KAPA has documented and made public the research on which our concerns are based.

We don’t think all mines are evil, but believe that the proposed Ajax mine would be disastrous for Kamloops simply because of its proximity.

The small increase in employment simply cannot be justified when one considers the price that will be paid by those negatively affected by the mine. The health of residents and children in particular is too precious to be placed at risk. And publicly stating our well-documented concerns does not by any stretch of imagination constitute bullying. It’s called free speech, Mr. Bach.

Mr. Bach’s letter states, “While the mine is in operation it will run under strict guidelines and policies set in place and it will be regularly monitored.” He obviously has not read the B.C. auditor general’s scathing report on the failure of the B.C. government to monitor mines or enforce the relevant regulations.

Mr. Bach should also know that guidelines are nothing more than a statement of what the government would like to see happen. Except in rare circumstances they are not the law, and cannot be enforced. Policies are simply statement of intent, and can be changed at the stroke of a pen.

The enforcement of many laws is subject to policy decisions on whether or not — or how stringently — they will be enforced. Exceeding the speed limit on roads is a good example.

Finally, if Mr. Bach wants unbiased information, he should not turn to Ajax, the source of the oft repeated (and completely false) statement that the proposed mine is 10 kilometres from Kamloops.

He should go to the web site stopajaxmine.ca for a wealth of well researched information from impeccable sources.

Perhaps, once he has become better informed, he will see no further need to “implore” people to support the mine.

MICHAEL HEWITT

Kamloops