Perhaps the first warning sign was when our “Father Knows Best” premier usurped municipal power over development, leaving communities with already strained infrastructure and health care to cope however they could.

Now, taking another page from the dictator playbook, he has introduced legislation giving his government extraordinary new powers.

When leaders either create a crisis (Donald Trump) or take undue advantage of one (David Eby) to enhance their power, democracy is the loser.

At a time when we need all of our legislators on board, Eby instead listens only to his own voice. He has already shown questionable judgment by initially trying to punish only “red states” for Trump’s actions and, as columnist Les Leyne pointed out, failed to foresee the possible repercussions of taxing trucks carrying needed supplies to Alaska.

The situation has reminded us that ideologues, whether on the extreme left or right, can become dictators when given the opportunity. The “missing middle” isn’t just in housing, it’s in our provincial politics.

Marie Jacobs

Courtenay

Thank you, Laurel Collins for dropping off a flyer on our door in James Bay.

However, we still feel annoyed and unheard by the fact that during your transition, you gave up your seat to run federally shortly after you were elected to municipal government.

This action initiated an excess amount of $200,000 of taxpayers’ money and that just doesn’t sit right with us.

Mike and Mokie Burnham

Victoria

A recent letter suggested that ­Victoria’s council should focus attention (and money) on renovating vital infrastructure such as water supply and sewer systems to name just two rather than on the “showcase” projects like Centennial Square. Other developments such as the luxury high-rises planned for James Bay seem to be aimed at impressing people rather than what is actually need by the people who live here.

Who are we trying to impress? Tourists coming off cruise ships? People from Vancouver who are more comfortable if Victoria looks and feels just like Vancouver?

Will Mark Carney move here if he thinks it looks like a real city? Wow.

Worlds aren’t colliding as far as I can tell, they are hurtling apart. Anyone else feel that way?

Michael Turner

North Saanich

It seems many people, including Premier David Eby, don’t know much about Elon Musk. Here is a brief resumé.

1. Provided more than seven million people with Tesla electric vehicles.

2. With SpaceX has saved NASA about $25 billion, has taken 50 astronauts to the International Space Station and is bringing back two stranded astronauts.

3. Co-founded PayPal, which has ­revolutionized on-line payments and e-commerce.

4. Developed Neuralink, a system that has three paralyzed and quadriplegic patients using brain implants that allow them to use computers, learn languages and design software by thinking alone.

5. Developed Starlink to provide economic worldwide satellite-based internet service that has assisted people in remote locations and in disaster........

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