​No hate in Huron County

To the Editor:

It is with great concern and disappointment that we, the undersigned, learned of the prominent display of a handmade billboard (along Bluewater Veterans Highway, just north of MTO Road) espousing racist ideology, greeting visitors to the Town of Goderich on the August long weekend.

Along with clear indicators of the creators’ political affiliation, the billboard included a phrase known to be a common rallying cry of white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizations.

As professionals and long-time members of Goderich and surrounding communities, we unreservedly condemn this rhetoric and its underpinning racist ideologies. We reject any attempt at characterizing our town as a safe haven for hatred.

We celebrate and cherish diversity, inclusion, compassion and courage.

We call upon our political representatives and fellow community members to join us in denouncing this racist display.

We echo the words of a great historical figure who once dreamt of a world in which individuals are judged by the content of their character and not the colour of their skin.

Sincerely,
Allen Hernandez, friend of Goderich
Allison Segeren, councillor and Goderich resident
Amelia Morrison, Huron County resident
Angela Keeley, Huron County resident
Ben Sheardown, professional engineer
Corrine Mackinnon, Huron County resident
Dana Lumby, Huron County resident
Dave Armour, teacher
David Wood, Huron County resident
Duncan and Lynda McGregor, Huron County residents
Erin Melo, teacher and Huron County resident
Grey Bruce Labour Council
Heather Eickmeyer, Huron County resident
Irv Mills, Kincardine resident
Jenna Ujiye, Huron County resident
Jillian Bjelan, Huron County resident
Jim Hollingworth, MD, Goderich resident
Jim Tyo, Huron County resident
Jonathon Farrell, Bruce County resident
Julia Stecca
Kathryn Wettlaufer, Huron County resident
Kayla Shelton, Kincardine resident
Laurie Hazzard, Huron County resident
Liz Petrie, Goderich resident
Mark Woodward, Huron County resident
Maryanne Hater, RN, Huron County resident
Matt Brooks, Huron County resident and farmer
Matt Hoy, Goderich resident
Matthew Keeley, Huron County resident
Michelle McGregor, Huron County resident
Nick McGregor, Huron County resident
Patricia McManus, Huron County resident
Patrick Corvyn, RN, Goderich resident
Ray Letheren, Bayfield resident
Rebecca Hoogenes, Huron County resident
Sally and David Walker
Tara Smith, RN, Huron County resident
Tim Damon, Huron County resident
Tim Packham, Goderich resident
Tony Doherty
Trevor Bazinet, Goderich resident
Tristan Jarvis, friend of Goderich
Veronica Stevenson, Huron County resident
Warren and Eleanor Robinson, Goderich residents
Wendy and Heinz Hoernig, Huron County residents
Wilhelmina Laurie, Huron County resident