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May Articles

Remember the

medical clinic? An architect of local origin with experience in building medical clinics lost out to one with no experience. The results were a $400,000 overrun plus continuing costs and cutbacks in the original concept 5/11/05 Read More..

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”. 5/18/05 Read More..

by Fred Kirby                                        May 4, 2005 

Ian Mitchell has taken the time to write of his concerns and deserves a reply.  

Ian, do you approve when the Deputy Mayor publicly blames staff when it was he who made the gaffe and should have accepted responsibility? Do you approve council spending approximately $100,000 on salaries and expenses to oversee the BMTS? You have every right to your opinion but you should be more specific. I got down to the end of your letter before I realized you were talking about me. It was the comment on openness that gave you away. 

You miss the point of openness. I am not a fan of paternalism. Citizens have graver responsibilities than just to wait upon the occasion when council deigns to pass along a piece of information. Ex-Minister Gagliano would applaud your approach to government. Transparency removes any chance for paternalism and, since information is public, members of council have the opportunity to listen to a wide range of opinion. With modern recording devices for council and committees, information can be posted on the website easier and in a timelier manner. Members could post their own comments for all to see and respond. The mayor could use it to the benefit of all. Why do you find that an unreasonable request? 

I agree with you, Ian, we have councillors who have a sincere interest in the welfare of the municipality, but not all do. I hope honest Gord Campbell stays on council in the next term. Like the rest of us, Gord is not perfect, but he has asked some solid penetrating questions starting with one about the questionable way the municipality managed real estate. Barry Schmidt has at times tried to add sense to council’s deliberations. His recent comment of council avoiding the “deep pocket syndrome” was absolutely correct. He might be a mayor in the making if he can see council in the 21^st century.  I keep holding out hope for Maureen Couture but do wish she would relax and communicate more. They do need to grasp the opportunity to put Kincardine on the municipal map with forward-looking changes in the way council works.  Now that would be a good thing.