Editor: Chatham-Kent administration’s report recently to council regarding the hub – turning a Sears box store into a municipal hall – continued to relay messages that were either incomplete or misrepresented facts.
Regarding the buy-back policy the former ownership group signed with the municipality, based on evidence to date, our freedom of information requests and the municipality failing to provide us with proof otherwise, there is nothing to legally compel the sellers to buy back the Sears building within the specified time of 18-24 months. In fact, the sellers were given their own choice.
We’re stuck with the Sears box store.
Since legislation governing municipal referendums is not prohibited or restrictive, local councils are allowed to use whatever means they wish to ensure more opportunity for democracy in this case for council to set the rules for a referendum.
Since this costly project hits the taxpayers’ pocket books directly as compared to a general election, a referendum was more apt to bring out far more voters than a general municipal election, creating more of a democratic framework ensuring more fairness and impartiality for hard working people expected to support this massive Sears project.
The hundreds of emails, phone calls and letters I’ve received from the public on the Sears matter shows an intense opposition to renovate the Sears box store; an attempt to change a sow’s ear into a silk purse.
Council is the public’s only source to invoke democracy. It appears abundantly evident the majority of council, especially the mayor, is listening to administration over the constituents. Especially in this case, a municipal referendum was the only way to achieve a better level of direct democracy. Based on the legislation, council had a duty and obligation to listen to the citizenry, not administration. I cannot see where council is exercising being the citizens’ catalyst for democracy.
I urge all taxpayers, residents and stakeholders to keep close scrutiny the actions of council. Legislatively, council is boss over administration, however, the people are boss over both.
John Cryderman
Chatham
