Individuals should resign

Dear Editor,
I’ve been asked to write a letter on behalf of the 40 or so concerned citizens that have met on more than one occasion to express outrage at the behavior of the mayor and three of the councillors of Lake of the Woods Township.
The next council meeting as been moved to the Bergland Hall and is set for June 2, 2004. Everyone is encouraged to contact the town clerk and ask to be put on the agenda so that you may state your concerns and ask questions of your mayor and councillors.
The facts we learned of at the last council meeting are that Councillor Lundgren voted against any spouse of a another council member for contract positions. Councillors McCormack and Gate voted for Councillor Fadden’s spouse. Councillor Fadden voted for Councillor McCormack’s spouse and Councillor Gate’s spouse. Mayor Pizey either went with the majority or broke the tie in favour of a councillor’s spouse.
For anyone, especially the council members involved, to say this isn’t unethical and absolutely inexcusable is very naive.
It is my opinion that there is nothing left for these individuals but to resign. If they continue to say nothing except “I stand by my decision” (as they did at the last council meeting), then they must resign. They would be free to run again in a bi-election and see if the voting public agrees with their decision. This is the only ethical choice. The letter of the law may have been followed, but the spirit of the law was horribly violated.
If we don’t stand up and voice our displeasure, then we’re getting what we deserve. However, saying something is wrong and getting involved is a duty.
Only the public can hold their politicians accountable. There will be no change without demand for it and council should be aware that this issue will not go away.
Some of the other questions we want answered include:
Why did Councillors McCormack and Fadden declare a conflict of interest when the minutes of the April meeting were being passed at the May meeting?
Why has Councillor McCormack already begged off the June meeting? Is there something more important on his agenda than listening to the concerns of the people that live and work in his community?
Why did Mayor Pizey let this happen on her watch? This is her council and she should be setting the example for the other members to follow. A team, town or nation is only as good as it’s leader and this township is not getting the leadership it deserves.
We will get answers to our questions. Even if council has to meet until 2 a.m. every month for the rest of their term in office.
Sincerely,
Justin Gaudry
Morson