Make governance discussions public
The contents of a closed meeting of the three municipalities held this summer have been revealed, and it appears one of key takeaway is support for amalgamating Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln.
Why was this a closed-door meeting? As many have read, an investigation has been opened by the Ontario ombudsman to see if it should have been in closed session at all.
This should have been a public meeting with public input.
Taxpayers across Niagara should be concerned with the secrecy and lack of public engagement.
This is not the first time Niagara politicians have said no to public input regarding governance reform. Several years ago, St. Catharines Coun. Laura Ip brought forward a motion to have a citizens group set up to provide input into governance and this was defeated by regional council. Just recently, Harry Schlange wanted to give a presentation on how the region could save $25 million a year with a governance change and was not allowed to present his ideas.
Time and time again Niagara politicians demonstrate they are more concerned about self-service and self-preservation. Who is watching out for the taxpayer?
The fear mongering among local politicians promoting the status quo and the lack of public input is revolting and it should be no surprise Niagara has not moved forward with governance reform. Local politicians have demonstrated over and over again they do not want change and choose to continue to kick the can down the road and do nothing.
Allen McKay
St. Catharines
Put focus on local veterans
I was extremely saddened and disappointed upon receiving the newspaper on Saturday, Nov. 11.
As the proud daughter of a brave Canadian Second World War veteran, I was hoping The Standard, as it has done for at least the past decade, would again contain a special section respectfully honouring our local Canadian veterans by displaying their photos and a brief description of their invaluable service to our freedom, rights and country.
Instead of that honourable and fitting 10-page tribute, this year, you decided to change the format of your Remembrance Day section to be a “Special Advertising Feature,” containing eight pages of 21 business and political advertisements mentioning their support for veterans.
Your edition did include some brief paragraphs about the general history and importance of honouring our troops and veterans. However, any mention or photo of our truly local heroes were nowhere to be found.
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It certainly appears that advertising revenue now directs your format rather than actual important local content, which is both significant and necessary to retain your readers.
Elizabeth Delisle
Thorold
Letters welcome
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