Sir: Quite a few letter writers seem to believe municipal politicians are in it for the money or the glory. That could be so in individual cases but, unless I happen to be particularly naive, I still believe many municipal politicians are there because they really believe they can do a lot of good for their municipality.
I have made a study of local government over the years from its beginnings in England in the Middle Ages.
I believe most of the 20th century was spent searching for an idealised system of local government. In Canada, we have seen it all from the reeve and his township to the mayor and his council. And I still think the majority of councillors believe they are able to improve the situation in their community.
I think Premier Ford could have been a bit more tactful with his dramatic decision about Toronto council, but we’ll have to see how things work out.
Stephen Beecroft
Chatham
