"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Friday 19 November 2010

Fifteen E-Mails

That's how many were exchanged yesterday between Councillors, one elected others not, and town staff over an amended road closure for the Santa Clause Parade.

One staff spent the day occupied in finding a solution which would satisfy the complainants and two others exchanging information, keeping complainants informed
and soothing their concerns.

A great big flap about nothing at all.

During and before the election, I would waken in the morning and wonder which complaint might be filed against me to-day. What new nefarious plot might be hatched to cast me in an evil and villainous light?

Now I understand, all heat-seeking missiles are aimed at whoever is in the orbit with intent to create greatest collateral damage possible.

As Councillor-elect, Gaertner is firmly established in her assigned role.

I had heard the atmosphere in the town hall has been especially electric since October 25th and fully expected it would be. From then until November 30th is a long time for mischief to be wrought.

Until a few weeks ago,there was security in knowing an outgoing Council could neither hire nor fire people.

But remember the recommendation to transfer authority belonging to Council to the Chief Administrative Officer. Council approved that without knowing what they were transferring.

I never believed it was about transferring power to staff. I believed it was about fulfilling the will of she who must be obeyed.

As has been pointed out by a reader, like it or not, the out-going Mayor is in charge until November 30th.

We can only hope good sense will prevail in the Hall of "Privilege".

P.S.

At 11.02 this morning, Friday, the original approved permit issued on October 16th
was circulated to all members of Council at the request of the Mayor.

It occurs to me to wonder how a person can be a Council Member for a number of years and not understand the police is the only department with authority to enforce road closures and would naturally have input from the perspective of safety.

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