CORNER BROOK Hearing residents of the city who most likely voted to elect her calling for Corner Brook City Council to go didn’t make Linda Chaisson feel very good Monday night.
“They certainly got their message out loud and clear,” she said Tuesday afternoon.
But the city councillor said it was exactly what she expected.
Chaisson was attending a private meeting of council as some 300 people protested the layoffs of four city firefighters outside city hall Monday.
She walked through the protesters on her way to the meeting and said they respected her and never interfered with her entering the building.
When asked if she thought the protest, the second since the layoffs were announced, would make a difference to the decision, Chaisson said she would not be able to comment on that.
As for the rally itself, Chaisson said it seemed to her to be a good rally.
“I certainly respect the right of the firefighters to protest and their rally was well organized and very peaceful,” said Chaisson.
“They certainly have a right for their voices to be heard.”
She was also aware that more protests are being planned and said that was something she was expecting.
“It’s their right. I didn’t think that this was the end of it.”
Chaisson declined to comment further on the layoffs.
She only reiterated what she has said previously on the timing of the layoffs, which were announced just after the city and Local 1222 of the International Association of Fire Fighters signed a new collective agreement on Feb. 15.
“I was surprised and unaware of exactly when it was going to happen,” said Chaisson.
Meanwhile, Coun. Gary Kelly replied to an email request for an interview with: “I have no comment. Thank you.” Coun. Donna Francis did likewise.
Deputy Mayor Donna Luther was out of town at the time of the protest. The Western Star did not get any response from emails to and phone messages left for the remaining councillors, Leo Bruce and Priscilla Boutcher.
i can understand; secondly; thirdly but not firstly; first secondly thirdly; hate to be a grammar nazi can a third grade english teacher please follow up this post for clarifaction-ly