Santa’s not voting Court

There was a really great editorial in the newspaper today.

What is it so great? Simply because it reminds people as to what Bruce and Ivan Court do once they rally up their mobs.

Santa’s not voting Court
Telegraph Journal

In November, 2005, this newspaper published a commentary by Coun. Ivan Court. In it, the councillor steadfastly defended his brother, Bruce Court, and the political movement his brother headed.

Coun. Court wrote, “thank God that there are citizens like my brother who, when asked by some citizens living in the Red Head area to chair their lobby group, was willing to put his neck on the line. That original group of 10 concerned citizens today has grown to a membership of 400. This group has evolved to become the Coalition of Concerned Citizens, Unions and Small Businesses. This coalition is made up of citizens representative of all three political parties and from all walks of life. Make no doubt about it: this group has the support of thousands of citizens.”

The allegations he was defending the anti-LNG movement against? Trying to bully organizers of the city’s Santa Claus parade into changing their minds about who would wear St. Nick’s jolly red suit that year.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the movement’s support among “thousands of citizens” began to fade shortly after.

Since both Court brothers are running for public office, Ivan for mayor and Bruce for ward councillor, we thought it only fair to remind voters what some anti-LNG protestors were engaged in back in 2005. Council meetings were disrupted; councillors were subjected to harassment and vandalism; intimidation tactics were employed. Even Santa Claus was lucky to escape the wrath of the mob.

Here’s what we wrote of the movement then: “Protesting Santa epitomizes this group’s approach to the political process. Rather than working to build a stronger, more positive community, its members have tried to control local politics through disruption and intimidation. They’re bullies - and, to the extent that they duck responsibility for the actions of their members, they’re cowards, too.”

We stand by that assessment.

Coun. Court felt our words were unfair, and argued it was unreasonable to draw a link between the Courts’ public advocacy and the actions of unknown protestors.

We disagree.

As the foremost public spokesmen of the anti-LNG movement, the Court brothers had the credibility and the opportunity to urge greater restraint among residents who shared their cause. As a city councillor elected to serve the public at large, Ivan Court had an obligation to do so. Yet they did not, in any substantial or effective way.

That speaks volumes about the quality of their leadership, their respect for council as a political institution, and their commitment to serve all Saint Johners, not just those who happen to share their point of view.

I would encourage everyone to not vote for Bruce or Ivan Court.

Their campaigns are being fronted by special interest groups, they have a history of not working with people, and their policies are not in the best interests of the people - they look out for themselves and their unions only.