To the Editor,
Re: Council should be investigated, Letters, April 14.
It continues to amaze me that certain people decide when coming into a certain position, he or she is suddenly omnipotent. Some who get in a position of power feel, perhaps, that they, and they alone, are allowed to make decisions. I think we are in a democratic country which disallows this.
If seven people find one person difficult to get along with, doesn’t it make one think intelligently, that there might be a problem with that one person?
I found the councillors and our new administrator and the expressions of their frustrations well within bounds and quite appropriate in the last meeting; I found the mayor’s reaction interesting.
Also, please note to those who think otherwise, that a mayor has one vote, and one vote only. He/she is not able to become become a dictator, feeling that everyone should agree with him/her.
John ScorgieNanaimo
Disrespect a problem in council chambers
To the Editor,
Re: Nanaimo questions need for liaison, April 14.
The Bulletin’s reports from city council meetings show continuing dysfunction in the chamber. I believe elected officials’ disrespect is the basic problem.
Coun. Bill Yoachim reportedly indicated no interest in improving communication with the Island Corridor Foundation. Coun. Bill Bestwick was quoted as calling information from the foundation “propaganda.” Coun. Gord Fuller expressed distrust with the foundation. I am dismayed that the foundation’s representative was dismissed so rudely. It’s fine to disagree, but do so with respect, and be courteous with your guests.
I suggest two things that may improve the functioning of city council: One is to begin each council meeting with a brief ceremony acknowledging that the council chamber is a sacred place. It is a place of power, where citizens place their trust in elected officials to behave with respect, openness, and professionalism, to make decisions that affect the entire city. It is, therefore, a high honour to work there, and that needs to be remembered. There is no place for the negativity, aggression, and disrespect we have seen lately.
Secondly, I would like to see a small placecard in front of each councillor’s and the mayor’s seat, that reads, ‘I shall behave with respect.’
John SegalNanaimo