Councillors should have a say

0
120

The decision has been made to proceed with an elected warden. We are told that efficient governance will be enhanced and costs will be minimal. I am skeptical. In my opinion, we will see a significant cost increase, if not immediate, then in future years.

The decision has been made to proceed with an elected warden. We are told that efficient governance will be enhanced and costs will be minimal. I am skeptical. In my opinion, we will see a significant cost increase, if not immediate, then in future years.
Municipal councils should have more influence at the MRC level. The mayor and councillors are elected to govern the municipality they represent. They are elected by the people, for the people.
We’ve been told that when a mayor sits at the Council of Mayors, he/she is wearing a “different hat” – they are there to make decisions they feel will benefit the Pontiac as a whole. I have no doubt the mayors are able to make rational decisions. However, in matters which will have a significant impact on municipalities, it is vital that municipal councils have a pivotal say in those decisions.
Some examples would be amalgamation, an elected warden, major capital ventures, etc.  Before a decision is taken at the MRC level on these matters, the mayor should bring the matter to council to be explained, discussed, debated and voted on. Once this is done, the council’s decision should form the mayor’s position at the MRC level and his or her vote on the matter should reflect this. In most cases, councillors are the individuals who are the most informed when it comes to the wishes of their constituents.     

Roger Lavoie, Councillor
L’Isle-aux-Allumettes