Is Ford retreating or responding to the people?

Re Ford retreats from Greenbelt plan, May 2 The R word by Liberal definition stands for “retreat,” and they have tagged Ford’s campaign with that word for his decision to abandon his plans for greenbelt usage.

But the R word by Conservative definition is “respond,” and herein is the biggest plus Ontario’s electorate will have in this year’s election. Finally, a leader who is prepared to alter decisions based on what the public wants, not on what is politically correct or what the party elite thinks the electorate should have to protect us from ourselves.

Ford did not retreat on his Greenbelt plan. He responded to the desires of the people. That is the principle of an excellent leader, one who is capable of responding to the wishes of people rather than being concerned or intimidated by the political consequence or party benefits of changing policy.

Ford’s decision to listen and respond to the people in the middle of an election campaign is both refreshing and speaks volumes of what we can expect from him as our premier. Jack Wilson, Barrie “I’ve already talked to some of the biggest developers in this country and again, I wish I could say it’s my idea, but it was their idea as well,” Doug Ford said. This is what scares me about Ford. He isn’t listening to you or I; he is listening to big business and making his decisions on their ideas.

Be afraid, be very afraid. Mary Sullivan, Lindsay, Ont.