BradfordToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to 'Ford expands strong mayor powers, pledges cash for housing targets,' published Aug. 21.
I just heard the news that strong mayor powers will be coming to Bradford.
I am extremely concerned about the loss of democracy that this change represents.
I would like to know when you, Mayor Leduc, intend to delegate your powers under strong mayor back to our duly elected council and independent professional staff?
When democracy erodes, it tends to erode slowly and not so suddenly, when the masses are just going about their business.
My father was also an elected member of municipal government where he served the citizens with positive intention. My first professional job was with a municipality and I have a pretty good understanding of roles and regulations that help cities, regions, counties provide effective — not perfect — democratic services.
There are other ways to achieve the provinces objective of delivering more housing.
This move by our premier is concerning to me.
I urge you to maintain democracy in Bradford West Gwillimbury and delegate the strong mayor powers back to council and independent professional staff.
Kelly Garbe
Bradford
