Advocate “upset” over Menegakis letter

October 14, 2015 · 0 Comments

(Re: Voter felt “humiliated” after all-candidates meeting, October 8)

I am a man with disabilities, living with Cerebral Palsy and have used an electric wheelchair since I was three.
My disabilities cause me to live in assisted living and I need someone to help me get up in the morning, shower, prepare meals and put me back in my bed at night.
I completely understand the realities and lived experience of disability.
I have also known Costas Menegakis for over five years now as I live in Richmond Hill. His aide Tom and I have had many meetings to assist me with disability issues I have had over these years.
I wish to be clear: I have not been working with any political party to date.
Generally, I respect those who will serve and personally I will side with those who will do the most for Persons with Disabilities in my area, no matter what their political leanings.
I am writing to defend the man, not the party.
During the time I have known him, Costas Menegakis has never mistreated me in any fashion, never ignored me or made me feel that my severe disabilities make me a ‘lesser’ Canadian.
I was rather upset to read a recent article written by a young voter with disabilities, Benjamin, who was clearly upset.
I can only wonder what is the truth behind this letter? It contained some pretty ugly, almost slanderous insinuations about the man, Costas Menegakis, which I feel is unfortunate as I know they are untrue.
Clearly the writer does not know Mr. Menegakis. I encourage Benjamin to get to know him. We all know, politics sometimes gets ugly, and I get that, but to insinuate such things about an honourable man like Mr. Menegakis due to some misunderstanding and apparent mismanagement at an all candidates meeting, where Mr. Menegakis was not in charge, rather moderators were, is so unfair.
I think Benjamin should rather speak with the moderators regarding what happened. His frustration should be heard, but it should be directed to the right people.
I know from years of personal experience that Costas Menegakis would never treat anyone disparagingly, regardless of their ability. Indeed he strives to assist wherever possible.
I am writing this letter to make that clear and to defend the man, I am not writing this with any political agenda.
Vote for whom you believe will deliver you a better community, however, while doing this – let’s do this with honesty and integrity.

Andrew Morrison-Gurza
Richmond Hill