Some issues with the initiatives pertaining to the town’s spending have been brought up over the last month, as council has been working toward approving a budget for the upcoming year.

At the budget information session held Jan. 8, resident Paul Height presented council with notes on the following: the pedestrian underpass project, snow plowing, housing, vandalism, commercial transportation parking, street light, recycling and solid waste management, a convention centre, tenders and construction billings, changes to the Connaught boulevards, and the multi-purpose Activity Centre.

Unfortunately, though the notes contained some interesting content, the package was more than 2,000 words long so we could not fit it into our paper.

Though Height may come across as outspoken, his fervor is unrivaled, and he makes some great points. To see more of his notes, visit us online at www.fitzhugh.ca.

Height sent out an additional note, proposing that council agree to a moderated public meeting, to take place before any further capital projects are initiated this year.

He suggests the meeting should host two panels, made up of council and top town administrators, and the other of certain “outspoken” residents, such as himself. The public, he wrote, would be invited to present questions and concerns to either or both panels.

The moderator would record the results of votes on issues the public wants to see pursued, and the municipality would be asked to act based on the result.  

All correspondence from Height went to the mayor and councillors, or municipal manager George Krefting, and copies were sent to the Fitzhugh.

Height’s suggestion is excellent. Public input regarding municipal initiatives seems to be lacking in this town. Whether people feel they don’t have the opportunity to have their say, or simply have nothing to say, these are the town’s tax dollars being spent.

Council was elected not to lead with the blind trust of the town, but as competent representatives to act in the best interest of citizens. Ongoing dialogue between council and the public is crucial, so residents can be pleased with the way in which the town is administrated.

If the council is interested in what the public has to say, it will honour Height’s request, and hold a public forum.

Residents who want to see this happen, we urge you to press your councillors to oblige. This is your town, these are your tax dollars, and you deserve to have a say.