Three cheers for councillor

Let me say up front that I believe the decision by CBRM council not to fund the proposal for the Cape Breton Centre for Art, Culture and Innovation at this time was plain wrong and showed backward thinking.

So now that we understand where I stand on council’s antiquated decision, allow me to address the apparent conflict that is going on at our municipal council.

How our mayor can suggest that there is no split in the council at the same time when four elected council members felt they had to walk out of an in-camera meeting, and then follow up with a questionable reprimand on the right of a member to stand up for her principles, is clearly befuddling. It appears that he has taken a page out of the Donald Trump playbook and wants our councillors to swear a loyalty oath to him.

I applaud the determination and tenacity shown by Coun. Amanda McDougall and I wish all her colleagues would show some of the dedication and fearlessness that she has demonstrated. If our mayor is going to attempt to hang his hat on Robert’s Rules Of Order than I suggest he relinquish the chair and debate the issue with the councillor rather than simply use his position to bully her.

And I must add that I am very disappointed in all those councillors who quietly sat on their hands and failed to voice their concerns regarding the treatment of a fellow councillor.

Our councillors are elected by their constituents and we fully expect them to represent our concerns and that might include disagreeing with the mayor.

I suspect if McDougall’s comments in her letter were favourable to the mayor she would have not been accused of breaking the rules. I want to thank this noble councillor for her continued dedication to her position. Bravo. Victor Tomiczek Dominion