Dear Editor,
My friend, Dave Blackburn, is the Pontiac Conservative candidate for the upcoming election this year. He has a popular Facebook page that has grown considerably over the past few months. I assist in administering it and intend to play a key role in Dave’s campaign. As a former political candidate myself, it’s nice to still be able to contribute despite work, school, family and military commitments.
Dave’s page has recently been frequented by several people affiliated with the Liberal Party and they have made efforts to insult his followers and commenters.
It has come to my attention that a paid staff member employed by Liberal MP Will Amos is one of the individuals that has been visiting Dave’s page to post these negative comments.
Like others, recently I was subjected to insults and negative insinuations by the Pontiac Liberal MP’s staff. As a former political staffer, I can tell you that this sort of negative activity from the office of a sitting MP is highly unusual and is completely inappropriate.
I am uncertain if Mr. Amos himself is aware of these activities or if he has a role in them but the staff member in question, who did not self-identify their paid-affiliation to Liberal MP Amos, was called out on their position as a Liberal staffer and subsequently edited their negative communiques on Dave’s page in an effort to cover-up their transgressions.
I want to be clear, anyone is allowed to pose questions and raise concerns on Dave’s page about issues and policies that are important to the Pontiac. We strongly encourage respectful debate. However, insults, insinuations and false characterizations that have occurred on Dave’s Facebook page will not be tolerated and Liberal MP Amos must be accountable for the actions of his office.
I would encourage Liberal MP Amos and his office to focus on the work that needs to be done here in the Pontiac. Focus on making our region an even better place. Focus on making the Pontiac a federal priority.
There is an election coming up. Conservative candidate Dave Blackburn is working hard to speak to people from every part of our beautiful riding about how he can improve their quality of life. Surely a Liberal Member of Parliament and his office can find a better use of their time than to lurk around Dave’s Facebook page and insult local residents.
Benjamin Woodman
Gatineau, Que.
