Editor: Re: “Funding for C-K falling short,” The Chatham Voice, April 17.
Like everyone else in Chatham-Kent, I have heard the repeated cries and woeful pleas from the mayor and council that we are not receiving our legitimate share of funding from both the federal and provincial governments when it comes to Ottawa and Toronto’s downloaded programs.
Their collective moan is that their requests for fair funding are not heard on high.
Our local government cannot get answers.
Politely worded, repeated inquiries fall on deaf ears in both the Ontario Legislature and Parliament Hill.
What I cannot comprehend is why our local government (and journalists as well) do not ask our elected representatives why we are being denied money that should be coming our way?
Our mayor says he asks, he requests, both our federal MP (Dave Epp) and provincial rep (Trevor Jones) explain our being financially short shifted, but he receives no succinct answer from either of them.
I have always believed that the role of any elected representative is to advocate for the people in their riding (Chatham-Kent–Leamington) and not fall silent when their constituency is negatively impacted and truly needs them.
Who is to say?
This may be the right time to demand answers from both of them.
Literally, call them to the Civic Centre podium. Have them actually appear (no Zoom, no Face Time, no texts, letters or emissaries) before council to explain where their efforts are in advocating for us, or perhaps have an answer as to why we are not receiving our proper entitlement.
At least, then we will all know!
If they show, that is great.
If not, that tells a tale in itself.
It would seem to me that Trevor Jones, currently in Doug Ford’s cabinet, should be able to get some direct answers by asking the premier sitting at the same table right across from him.
As far as incumbent Dave Epp is concerned, during this federal election campaign, it might be the time for someone from the city to publicly ask what he has done on our behalf with regard to securing money to fund programs imposed on the municipality.
Just looking for accountability and answers.
Dan Kelly
Chatham-Kent
