Dear Editor
This is in regards to Brian Zinchuk’s Top of the Pile column, “Oh ye without sin, only you may run for office” about Ray Fox. I have known Ray for 36 years or more. I worked with Ray on the ambulance service for many years.
I must say we have all done things we are not proud of, but I have watched Ray change his life. He is a family man who loves his wife and children.
Ray Fox has accomplished so much for our community that he can be proud of. The News-Optimistrecently printed a detailed article outlining Ray's many contributions to society, resulting in him receiving a very prestigious award.
I believe the remarks Jenni Byrne made were not justified. The posting on Ray's Facebook page was not meant to encourage abuse. I believe she should refrain from attacking such a respectable figure in our community. I hope the remarks Byrne made against Ray Fox were not prejudiced.
As long as I have known Ray, I have respected him and he will always be a true friend. I believe we have lost a great candidate for the Liberal Party. I believe Ray would have been a strong, potentially winning candidate and I believe that is what scared Byrne.
I have to agree with Jane Shury in that Ray did not mean anything serious by his remarks. It should tell the public something profound that Ray withdrew from the political campaign without being asked.
The public needs to open up their eyes to the fact that Ray is a respectable and responsible gentleman in our community. I would like to see Ray pick up his campaign and continue to run for the Liberal Party.
Gerald Gratton
North Battleford
