I offer Haldimand Council heartfelt thanks in their selection of holding two municipal byelections. Councilor Rob Shirton, while offering different solutions, ultimately joined his Council members in choosing a byelection.
I and many others believe this is the only decision to make. It is what constitutes democracy.
Sadly, we witnessed the left-handed turn in the provincial appointment of Amy Martin as a PC candidate. This was a huge red flag.
The local PC association is divided on the process and has seen tenured board members resign in frustration. These members worked for democracy: having a candidate voted on.
The last time this happened our county elected independent Bobbi Ann Brady. The same Brady that Ford and even Haldimand Council continue to take umbrage with.
Two points of view: Do only conservatives purchase from local business and why would any free enterprise system celebrate autocracy (power of one person)?
Haldimand-Norfolk has never voted for that. Even with our inherent differences as neighbours, we are of the belief democracy is the glue that holds us together.
The selection of Martin seems quite linear by the Ford government, which offered “strong mayor powers” so only 1/3 of Council would need to agree with the mayor. Martin voted for strong mayor powers. Thankfully, her Council defeated that.
With the appointment of Martin, we are witnessing phenomena known as “INO”: In Name Only. Are we actually seeing democracy, in name only?
It is a dangerous and slippery slope when a free country – that owes its freedom to the brave and heroic men and women who fought for democracy – would now be dictated in an autocratic fashion, without voice nor protest.
Sincerely,
Tom Peacock, Caledonia
