Our municipal government has to learn that
good governance demands the wisdom and courage to admit they
could have done much better. For example, taking responsibility
for the fiasco of the 2003 election. (John Roberts' recount
request and the cost of defending the decision to turn it
down.)
They must realize that election 2003 is over
but mistakes were made. It's too late to change them. Ballots
have been destroyed and electronic machines returned.
City council should be working now to
convince citizens that democracy will be upheld in future
elections. In order to accomplish this goal, council must
first find out what went wrong in the last
election. Don't be afraid. Have an independent review.
If council decides against a review, citizens
will think the council is hiding things from them, and council
will lose their respect.
(I say) clear the air once and for all, and
protect the democratic rights of the people. The reward? A
respected politician.
Jean Chevrier
Sudbury