Dear editor,The editorial ''Can we talk without yelling, I mean'' published in the Comox Valley Record on May 2 maligns and denigrates Coun. Tom Grant's participation in the gas tax revenue/water metering debate.The editor's subjective, ad hominem attack on Coun. Grant's position on this matter, and how he expressed it at the April 25, 2012 meeting, is disrespectful and wrong.We have viewed the video available on line to everyone of the April 25 council meeting.Throughout the Council debate about gas tax revenue/water metering Grant listened to the mayor and fellow councillors — at no time was his behaviour ''... disruptive and disrespectful'.' He understands the procedures of debating.1. As he expressed his opposition to gas tax revenue use to help fund water metering he did not address his remarks to any one councillor, but to council.2. He did not attack anyone. He did not shout or yell at anyone either. He did not get up from up from his chair and remonstrate with councillors. Neither did he threaten, pound his fist, nor rant and roar. He clearly expressed his support for the motion to remove the $100,000 tax revenue/water metering item from the budget. Some crescendo!3. The editor of the Comox Valley Record is not the arbiter of council debate and Coun. Grant's decorum. The editorial opinion does not govern council meeting civility and common courtesy; that is a matter for the councillors, and Grant has not offended it in any way.Coun. Tom Grant led the polls in the past Comox election. He is expected (the editor says obligated) to represent the electorate in all matters (divisive and otherwise) coming before council, and express his own views, too.He lives his responsibilities as a councillor, works tirelessly, is always prepared, and listens to and speaks for the Comox voters.He does not owe council an apology.Ronald Haston,Patricia Haston,ComoxEditor's note: To be clear, the editorial did not criticize Coun. Tom Grant's "position on this matter" but focused on how he presented it.