While most Sudburians would agree that a
better image for our city is desirable, I share the concerns of
at least one of our councillors, Ted Callaghan, when he
questions the value to be received from whatever money is to be
spend on this endeavour (My Sudbury, Qui Sudbury
campaign).
Already more than $75,000 has been spent on
consultants who haven't provided much focus for the future,
except to say we need to be more positive about ourselves and
then we can tell the rest of the world how great we are.
I would suggest that we go back to the
drawing board and involve more of the community. Let local
groups and organizations, schools and even businesses develop
ideas and proposals.
This would accomplish more in a very
practical way to foster renewed pride and spirit within the
community than any amount of traditional type advertising or
promotion.
Who can do this best? A citizens' committee
with a representative from each city ward with a councillor and
citizen as co-chair would review the submissions and make
recommendations to council.
City staff could serve as resources to the
committee, but would not be involved in the decision
making.
This whole process would be citizen driven
and would truly represent the community.
We can and should do better to involve more
of our community and get real value for our tax dollars in a
serious effort to improve our image.
John Lindsay
Sudbury