In his recent letter to the media, Ward 1
Councillor Terry Kett states Municipal Watch "Wimped Out,"
(regarding ward boundaries). He added, "council are elected to
consult and make decisions to please as many people as
possible."
Let us examine the situation: Municipal Watch
paid for the poll and also agreed to withdraw its application
to the Municipal Board if taxpayers did not support its
position on council's failure in the communication
process.
Kett conveniently ignored 88 percent (of poll
respondents) who wanted to participate through a referendum
vote. He also strongly supported the proposal to have full-time
councillors, despite the fact he received almost $80,000 last
year from the taxpayers for part-time work.
There are thousands in the city who survive
on a great deal less and would welcome the opportunity to have
part-time work.
Kett also ignored the poll that showed only
three calls a day on average are received by councillors. Only
87 people combined participated in the ward meetings. A
majority of presenters opposed his and council's positions. I
suppose this reflects his opinion of consultation.
Kett expresses great concern for the
expenditure by the city defending their situation at the OMB
hearing.
Where was this great concern for $50,000 of
taxpayer money spent to deny John Robert a recount?
Kett should curtail his self promotion and
self interest. Volunteers should be encouraged to have
involvement in municipal government. Criticism of participants
only encourage apathy of the citizens before and during
elections
Ron MacDonald
Subury