SOUND OFF: Kamloops council needs to realize representative democracy is a conversation
“WHAT TO MAKE OF A DIMINISHED THING”.
As I read the recent report on Kamloops debt load per person, I found myself realizing that we might be missing the point about the nondemocratic ways of the current city council. This city council has a four-year mandate but insists on casting the taxpayers into long term debt without asking us our opinion. This city council has demonstrated repeatedly that they are not interested in our opinion.
Considering this point, there are two important things I reflected upon. First, I thought about why I attend the November 11 Remembrance Day ceremonies — not to freeze my toes or nose or the drama of the jets, but my family’s contributions to defending democracy. Second, I reflected on the incremental loss of our democratic rights.
In the past, I was elected to serve as a councillor on a city council. There were times when I didn’t feel that the public appreciated the long hours I put in, attending meetings I didn’t particularly enjoy. However, I never considered saying to them, “I do not want to hear what you have to say.” I always believed that those who came to speak with me deserved respect, kindness, understanding and compassion. I could have stepped away from council at any time because I wasn’t crowned but I had given an oath to serve.
