Editor,
Re: Procedural bylaw - limiting access ["Bylaw changes 'troubling' Patterson," The Chief, Jan. 22].
Be afraid, be very afraid. We have a mini wannabe Harper in the house.
Mr. Terrill Patterson should be lauded for bringing to our attention what our mayor is trying to implement via a new by-law. It is not in anyone's best interest to be restricted access to council.
As Harper squelched journalism, Gardner is not far behind in trying to squelch our right to present items of concern in a time-friendly fashion and without bias. As Mr. Patterson stated "local government should be the easiest one for the people to access".
Councillor Patricia Heintzman stated "it's actually to protect the public from us." What an inane thing to say.
If (key word is if) a municipality is well run, staff has time to investigate whatever is brought forth as a recommendation before a bylaw, tenders, conflicts etc. are dealt with. Where the trouble begins is when mayor and council do not heed the recommendations of their staff which has happened a few times.
Having had an issue, which became a by-law issue I was made aware of how open-ended your municipal by-laws are.
Tighten them up. Take time, create a committee to look at all by-laws, get rid of the old ones and bring in structured new ones, so if someone like myself reads a by-law it will be very clear on what can and cannot be done.
I sincerely hope Mr. Mayor you reconsider the by-law and listen to the people.
I did not attend any council meetings since moving here but after reading about this by-law I will definitely start attending because I am simply afraid of what mini-Harper will try next.
Sandy Toppazzini
Valleycliffe
