Troubled by Taverner appointment

We find it troubling that government officials refuse to acknowledge or communicate with the media. As pillars of democracy, the media provide insight and understanding, enabling healthy participation by citizens.

Why hide information, why refuse to be open and forthcoming with regard to public business? What’s next? Refusing to acknowledge or communicate with citizens? Eugene Spanier and family, Etobicoke

I wish to comment on the impending appointment of Ron Taverner as the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police, and to express my dismay at the way Premier Doug Ford and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli and the government you lead continue to sacrifice integrity to ego and reason to expediency.

It is my perception that one of you is not smart enough to know the difference between selfgratification and the common good. That the one who knows better — Fedeli — continues to stand by and take no principled stance is breathtakingly shameful.

Please do something to stop the Ontario Provincial Police and every fine thing that they stand for in this province from being dragged to the sleazy level of political cronyism that you and your government inhabit.

Perhaps one of you even has the courage to pick up the telephone to speak with an actual average citizen in this province about this very compelling issue. Frank Petruzella, North Bay

Re Doug Ford governance Looks like this consists of making up two lists: one of all the people and institutions that he has a grudge against, so that he can pass legislation and take steps to get even with them; and another of all the people he considers as friends, so that he can offer them choice, unqualified appointments. John Marsh, Scarborough