 | ||
| ||
 |
|
|
|
|
Home->Kincardine |
||
|
Well, Ian, your use of the medieval word “muser” to describe me reflects the difference between you and me. The word “muser” has evolved over the centuries to “muse” meaning, “to be absorbed in thought” or “to say thoughtfully”. Like our English language, I too have moved on and, while wanting to conserve all that is good of the past, I embrace change when it will improve our lives. I do not apologize for thinking. I make no apologies for championing a better community. I do not question peoples’ motives nor do I question politicians’ intelligence. What I speak about is observable behaviour. For example, when the Friends of the Pavilion were making a presentation to council, the deputy mayor, Sandy Donald, behaved in a manner to again demonstrate that he came to the meeting unprepared for the discussion. Consequently his recommendations were off base. I do not question his intelligence or his motives; but his behaviour leaves his judgment in question. Your concept of municipal government like your choice of the word “muser” is dated, belonging to a smaller and slower world. Nowadays, the sheer number of council meetings plus all the committee meetings makes it next to impossible for a citizen, employed or not, to attend them. Ian, this is not the 19th century when we all knew one another, committees were rare, regulations were few, and council’s business was simple. To-day, governing is much more complex and citizens have less time on their hands. On the upside, citizens are better educated, and with current communication technology, they can evaluate and comment on municipal deliberations when made available in a timely manner. This, with the practice of transparency, moves the democratic process of governing to a new and positive level. We just need local politicians who do not to fear change and willingly accept transparent government. It is the future, why not start now?
Lastly, no one needs to be a
candidate to seek better government. That should be the goal of all
citizens. As for running council, again you miss the point. I prefer
collegiality and consultation but, unlike our mayor, I am not afraid to
make a tough decision. |
|
