Council issues statement and Residents respond
"My jaw literally dropped, and I believe I may have gasped out loud."
By Denise McRae
As promised by our Acting Mayor and Council in response to our questions and concerns regarding the property at 255 Highway 108, Acting Mayor Wannan made a statement on behalf of the council at the meeting held on February 27, 2023.
The statement explained that this new council decided the arts centre would remain on its original site. He also let it be known they would not be answering questions regarding this matter due to municipal law constraints. He reminded us they were elected by the citizens to do a job.
The acting mayor did mention he is not much into social media, which I can appreciate, but at the same time, social media is a powerful communication medium, with widespread influence. However, it is only part of the digital revolution that we are witnessing. The digital transformation has not only influenced businesses and made the world more accessible, but it has also changed the way we communicate.
Our council needs to pay attention to social media for improved engagement, increased transparency, and to get a read on where the community sits on certain topics.
Councillor Flintoff spoke as well. He stated that people in this community have a twisted sense of perception when it comes to the statement "open for business." My jaw literally dropped, and I believe I may have gasped out loud.
To insult a group of citizens who had questions and concerns about city business is very unbecoming of an elected official. It is my opinion, which I do not often offer, that he should make a public apology. It was a hard slap in the face for simply asking questions. I shudder to think what will happen when we ask tougher questions.
I have never stormed out of a meeting before, but at this point I had to or explode, and I like to remain calm. Leaving was the best option at the time. So to all of you that I spoke to in person, on social media, over Messenger, or in a telephone call, I am sorry that I do not have any answers other than that this Council has a different mandate than the last. I’m ok with that, but to be insulted like we were at this meeting is unacceptable.
It appears we could be living in a patriarchy (IMO).
We did elect this council, and I can appreciate how difficult the job can be at times. We must remember that these men represent us, and I know we all want to be represented in a professional and respectful manner. When citizens take an interest in the well-being of our community, we shouldn’t be chastised by an elected official.
Please listen to this clip below. To watch the entire meeting, please visit the city website.
February 28, 2023
By Denise McRae
As promised by our Acting Mayor and Council in response to our questions and concerns regarding the property at 255 Highway 108, Acting Mayor Wannan made a statement on behalf of the council at the meeting held on February 27, 2023.
The statement explained that this new council decided the arts centre would remain on its original site. He also let it be known they would not be answering questions regarding this matter due to municipal law constraints. He reminded us they were elected by the citizens to do a job.
The acting mayor did mention he is not much into social media, which I can appreciate, but at the same time, social media is a powerful communication medium, with widespread influence. However, it is only part of the digital revolution that we are witnessing. The digital transformation has not only influenced businesses and made the world more accessible, but it has also changed the way we communicate.
Our council needs to pay attention to social media for improved engagement, increased transparency, and to get a read on where the community sits on certain topics.
Councillor Flintoff spoke as well. He stated that people in this community have a twisted sense of perception when it comes to the statement "open for business." My jaw literally dropped, and I believe I may have gasped out loud.
To insult a group of citizens who had questions and concerns about city business is very unbecoming of an elected official. It is my opinion, which I do not often offer, that he should make a public apology. It was a hard slap in the face for simply asking questions. I shudder to think what will happen when we ask tougher questions.
I have never stormed out of a meeting before, but at this point I had to or explode, and I like to remain calm. Leaving was the best option at the time. So to all of you that I spoke to in person, on social media, over Messenger, or in a telephone call, I am sorry that I do not have any answers other than that this Council has a different mandate than the last. I’m ok with that, but to be insulted like we were at this meeting is unacceptable.
It appears we could be living in a patriarchy (IMO).
We did elect this council, and I can appreciate how difficult the job can be at times. We must remember that these men represent us, and I know we all want to be represented in a professional and respectful manner. When citizens take an interest in the well-being of our community, we shouldn’t be chastised by an elected official.
Please listen to this clip below. To watch the entire meeting, please visit the city website.
February 28, 2023