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City needs code of conduct

Respect works both ways and only if that respect is mutual can any vestige of trust be regained.

To the Editor,

Coun. Diana Johnstone states that ‘we have come full circle.’ There is absolutely no reason it had to be this way had council been open to meaningful discussion regarding Colliery Dams from the get-go.

Council has agreed, though I have no doubt begrudgingly on the part of some, to postpone removal of the dams. Many excellent presentations have been made that show the danger can be mitigated without destruction of the existing dams; this is something to continue to strive toward.

The governance review received by the city, tucked away in a not so readily accessible place on the city website, is a damning document with regards to the oversight of the city by council and staff.  It outlines some very important steps that, if council chooses to take them, could result in behaviours that would not initiate community uproar on issues like the dam crisis and others before.

Key to this will be a code of conduct for council, not one just in actions with staff but including relating to Nanaimo’s citizens as well. Respect works both ways and only if that respect is mutual can any vestige of trust be regained.

Gordon W. FullerNanaimo