Which Taxpayers? Which Voters? Which Residents?
These 3 urgent council decisions will
tell us a lot about who our new council serves
Which Taxpayers?
On October 11, 2022, the city Treasurer delivered a report to the council in an open session that identified the city's IC legal costs for (then) Councillor Patrie were $360,534.
On January 9, 2023, the long overdue decision in Elliot Lake (IC) v. Patrie was released, and it informed, “If costs on the application are in issue, counsel are to submit written submissions […] no later than 4:00 p.m. within 30 days of today’s date.”
Does that mean that if the City of Elliot Lake doesn’t ask for the City’s costs, we won’t get them?
Council has scheduled a Special Council Meeting for tomorrow (Monday, January 30), but this time-sensitive item is not on the agenda. For that reason, citizens cannot exercise our opportunity to make a statement on this topic at the Public Input Session.
So today, with only one week from the judge’s deadline, this article asks the council publicly, what do you intend to do? Council, please note that letting the clock run out is, in itself, a decision. From the taxpayer’s point of view, choosing to do nothing is to pass all the cost to the local taxpayers.
However, the citizens should remember that it’s not all about money. Here are two thoughts, and no doubt, readers will have more. I hope this sparks some helpful conversation.
1) The cost applied to one individual will have a chilling effect on local democracy. Fewer good candidates – especially those of modest means – will be willing to step forward to serve in local government if the city’s cost is pursued. I don’t think that effect is a good trade.
2) The cost shared by all the taxpayers is not unaffordable for us as individuals. $360k shared among us all is probably about the same as five Timmy’s takeout trays each. It will hurt each of us, but not unbearably. However, the cost applied to one person could potentially bring real, long-term financial hardship.
So, as much as I feel otherwise, unless there is a legal reason council cannot do this, I suggest council direct staff to negotiate with a goal of a future that prevents yet more cost but also fully acknowledges the judge's decision.
The council can waive the Procedural Bylaw and discuss this tomorrow. They know that. They did it on January 9.Council, the taxpayers need your leadership, and we need to hear from you.
Which Voters?
In respect of the judge’s decision, Council declared the mayor’s seat vacant on January 12, 2023, and they have 60 days from the decision to inform the citizens how the seat will be filled. As previously stated, we have capable people overseeing experienced, capable staff. There is no rush, but we will soon be at half-time.
No matter who takes the mayor’s chair, some people will be unhappy, but when the new mayor is sworn-in, it should be the conclusion of a local process that respects the voters. It would not help this community for the council to appoint anyone to the mayor’s seat who did not receive any votes to be the mayor. Any other action is a disturbing harbinger to those of us who expect the council will serve all the voters equitably.
Council, the voters need your leadership, and we need to hear from you.
Which Residents?
Long before this matter of the mayor’s seat boiled over on January 9, the election issue of 255 Hwy 108 was on the radar. During the campaign, many council candidates were outspoken in their support of rebuilding a performing arts theatre in this location. Some candidates also spoke up for the value to Elliot Lake of using this location to attract a long-desired second hotel.
To be successful, a new hotel will need to attract additional visitors to Elliot Lake. A destination hotel (not just a road hotel) has the best chance of success. And destination hotel will require adequate space for destination facilities.
The problem: the original 255 lot does not have enough space for both.
In a move reminiscent of the legendary wisdom of Solomon, the council has worked with city staff to locate more space, and this is the kind of creative leadership Elliot Lake needs. Will this be enough space? We may know more after tomorrow evening's council meeting. This item is on the agenda.
Good business sense combined with good government leadership can bring more tourist dollars, local jobs, and the facilities we need (not just want, but need). This would benefit not just a few but all the residents.
And attracting additional visitors is important for the continued success of our existing hotel. That, too, is a worthy goal for our future success.
Council, the residents need your leadership, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Council: thank you for the good things you’re doing already
It’s not the end of the council's first hundred days yet, and already council is delivering positives. This week will see the signing of an agreement with local First Nations for the management of Mississaugi Park. This is the culmination of a years-long process, and our new council continues to support the important direction of improving relationships.
Also, the council recently approved the expenditure for a new Vision Statement and Strategic Plan. I understand that the council hopes this process will begin very shortly. It will include a public engagement piece that can help put the council, staff, and citizens on the same page, working together for a bright future for all Elliot Lakers.
Wisdom and godspeed on all these matters, Council.
by Stephen Calverley, January 29. 2023