One candidate for council who's been pretty quiet (at least from my vantage point) is Bonnie Burson. In the last couple of days her flyer has arrived in my mailbox. Bonnie was pretty quiet at the all candidates meeting, but I have to say I like some of what's in the flyer. Since she hasn't had all the exposure of some of the other candidates, and certainly she's had a lot less than the incumbents, today's post shines a spotlight on Bonnie Burson.
Ms. Burson's big selling point is her business background. She thinks her experience managing a successful small business through difficult times is directly applicable to running the township, and there is some truth in that - being a councillor is first and foremost about managing the finances of the township.
Ms. Burson is also an 'independent' in the so-called divided township; not an incumbent, or a member of the MRA. This is played up in her flyer; no 'hidden agenda,' she claims. This could be a big plus, although it could also indicate indecision. Nowhere do we find out her views on the lawsuit itself. I'd like to know her views, even if she is non-aligned. Being the cynic that I am, I could read into her flyer that she actually supports the incumbent council - there are no references to the existing council, only veiled references to the MRA.
She says she'd listen to facts, not gossip; again a positive statement. I just hope that she would have enough realism to recognize that sometimes facts can be manipulated; the truth can be spun to the extent that it is as harmful as gossip.
Bonnie has a plan for Fairness and Equality in council, which seems to involve specific question periods with clear rules of engagement. The tone of this section of the flyer is clearly anti-MRA - 'ensure that special interest groups do not monopolize our limited resources'. This is all very well. However, it's not too difficult to imagine a situation in which rules about how and when people can present to council can be used to disadvantage certain people or groups. Controlling access to council allows someone to control the agenda and control which points of view get to be heard. If it's done fairly, this could be all right, but it's open to abuse.
In the end, then, it's Bonnie Burson's financial acumen that remains her big selling point. How far her other suggestions would go would depend on the makeup of the rest of council. My impression is of someone who has something to offer, but will need to speak more and speak louder at the next all candidates meeting. I'd like to hear more and I'd like to feel just a little more comfortable that Bonnie would still respect the presence of a Ratepayers Association in our community, as such organizations have a valuable place in any democratic system.
5 comments:
You keep talking about the MRA getting into council, It is my understanding that members of council cannot be members of the MRA.
Does the MRA not monitor and challenge council, trying to keep the residents informed of the councils activities (while our council was not telling us anything)
Exactly my point, I think. Even if candidates who are now members of the MRA are elected (and therefore have to leave the MRA) the MRA will still continue as a watchdog for council. The tone of Ms. Burson's flyer suggests that she might not welcome the presence of such an organised watchdog group.
I read her comments differently...it seems she wants to ensure we all have a say at council, just not the one's that belong to the MRA. Besides, based on their own newsletters, all they've done so far is clean a few ditches and support Don Page's cause. I would agree with her position that comments and critique are welcome, but in a fair and organized fashion.
If we all have a say, why do you have to be on the docket to speak -- otherwise the council tells you to shut up your not reconized.
Before you get all critical of recognized political processes, in many municipalities you are required to request an opportunity to speak well in advance of a meeting, you must also submit a synopsis of your presentation in advance, and you are actually held to a time limit as well = we don't have it so bad here. It only stands to reason that if you expect answers to your concerns, that you should provide your representatives an opportunity to research your issue by making them aware of the matter in advance. Besides, totally unorganized discussion supports special interest groups alone, not the 'agenda-less' general public who want council to spend time on the issues directly affecting our tax dollars and services. I was at one council meeting when some old fella wanted to rant about his dogs - entertaining perhaps, but hardly a concern for the majority of residents. I really believe we need some king of organization at council in order to keep the fiscal agenda on track.
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