Editorial was too harsh
Re: “Montreal taxpayers have been abused yet again” (Editorial, July 19)
As a lifelong Montreal citizen, and taxpayer, I, too, want my tax dollars spent judiciously, especially when it comes to payouts to public officials.
I do, however, find the general reaction, and The Gazette’s editorial on Michael Applebaum’s package, unduly harsh and judgmental, taking into account his many years of public service.
We must bear in mind that he is a human being who has been charged, but as yet not found guilty of any crime. He was arrested at 6 a.m. and placed in a police car, with photograph- ers present to record the event. This, for charges going back to 2006.
One must ask oneself, why was this event staged? It could have been done in a more respectful manner. Could all this have something to do with his difficult negotiations with the police union?
Now, Mr. Applebaum must come up with money to pay his legal bills, which will be substantial.
To put things in perspective, it would be very enlightening to know the total amount of funds involved in the Applebaum charges, compared to the amounts involved in all the other 100-plus dossiers, personal and corporate. Rest assured his amount will pale by comparison to the engineering firms, and others involved.
Once again, one should remember the humane approach of “let him without sin cast the first stone.” Bernard Shuster
Montreal