Behave like adults, please

Chatham-Kent council and administration should be taking note of a policy for delegations recently developed by Essex County council.

Officials in Essex passed what are essentially three “good conduct” policies after being forced to cut a meeting short due to shouting and disruptive behaviour regarding an issue that wasn’t even on the agenda. In that case, the spread of disinformation resulted in a mob mentality by enough members of the delegation to make it unsafe to have any meaningful discussion.

Chatham-Kent council has seen its share of heated issues over the years as council chambers have been filled with those intending to inform, educate or intimidate (depending on your stance on the issue of the day). When audience members find it difficult to hear their elected officials or those with opposing views speak, no one wins.

At a time when council members have the ability to weaponize their social media followers or to spread disinformation to push their own personal agenda, council needs to have a tool to ensure that orderly discussion of issues is the norm.

Given that less than one in three voters cast ballots in last fall’s municipal election, we run the risk of turning local government over to those who can yell the loudest.

Is that what we want?

Bridgework completed early?

Those of you who follow the progress of municipal construction projects could be forgiven for thinking there were two moons in the sky recently when repairs to the Murray Street Bridge in Wallaceburg were completed a week earlier than the date on detour signs.

It was a welcome change from the “someone didn’t order the guardrails” or “who knew there could be cables under the bridge” scenarios that have plagued recent projects. We don’t know if this is a feather in the cap of new GM Edward Soldo, but someone should be taking a bow.

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Editor: I am writing The Voice, to let the residents of Chatham-Kent know, if they need help from MP Dave Epp’s office, save your foot-steps, your gas and your time.

I went to his office on April 17 to find out why my climate change rebate wasn’t deposited in my bank account this time. I should mention, I am a senior citizen.

The woman sitting at her computer didn’t even get out of her chair to come to the front desk to see why I was there.

I was greeted with “what do you want.” I told her why I was there, all I got from her was a very snobbish answer, “If your income tax wasn’t in by March 24, you would not get one. I can’t help you.”

She didn’t take my name and was unwilling to look into the problem. I am a senior, not stupid. The Conservative Party talks a good game to gain power, knocks down other political parties that are trying to help and are interested in Canadians. I find this party rude, impolite, snobbish, and inconsiderate of the public needs.

They need a few lessons on how to greet and to be polite in serving the public. They may find these lessons in the swamp at the North Pole.

Linda Weaver Chatham

Editor: A day after her arranged marriage, Mira Dean (not her real name) suddenly realised that there had been a big mistake. Her husband had a problem with addiction. Having been raised in a conservative family, she had learned to honour her wedding wows. For 15 years, she made every effort towards her husband’s rehabilitation, but every effort failed. He was not co-operating. He became a chronic source of financial and emotional exhaustion. Mira often wondered how much longer she could continue honouring her wedding vows, or should she give up and move on with her life.

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