Self-destructive pettiness needs to end

It was refreshing to read David Delaney’s well-researched column (“There’s no stand like a councillor’s grandstand,” Cape Breton Post, June 8).

Delaney stressed that comments or criticisms should be based on facts, not on ad hominem attacks (personal, disparaging comments against individuals). Otherwise, decisions will be based on personalities or vengeful agendas, instead of facts.

I campaigned against Cecil Clarke the first time he ran for mayor of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). But I was impressed by how hard he worked to land a container port, which produced the first real hope and enthusiasm in this area for generations and I supported him the second time.

However, when you are in a leadership role, sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions for the greater good of a community. Unfortunately, that can lead to love-hate agendas and disparaging comments like those appearing on social media and directed at Clarke.

Freedom of expression is a wonderful right, but it comes with an equal responsibility to respect the rights of others. Those who make such remarks should understand they must be within legal parameters. I seriously doubt some of those comments would pass such a test. It seems some of the people making those irresponsible comments are supporters of Tim Houston’s bid for leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative Party. What a surprise!

Houston waffled when questioned on the federal transferequalization issue. He blatantly refused to support the one-time bill, to purchase land below the assessed value, to create a second berth, to expand the lucrative cruise ship business. So, why would anyone think he has any real concern for Cape Breton? He is just playing on our pettiness, trying to steal leadership convention votes.

I have seen Clarke harassed publicly. I would actually consider one such incident as political stalking. Yet, he always responded calmly, respectfully and professionally, sticking to the facts. I was present at a council meeting where he was responding to an internal controversy. Again, he did so calmly, with grace and mercy, softly walking on toes without scuffing anyone’s shoes. His experience as Minister of Economic Development, Minister of Energy, Attorney General and Minister of Justice prepared him well.

Whenever I drive Prince Street, Welton Street and Grand Lake Road, I am amazed at the businesses along that stretch, some having to build in parking lots. Let’s not forget the discussions and plans for the waterfront development. These are positives that should bring pride and excitement, especially so in such a challenging economic and social environment.

There are three cornerstone facilities in Glace Bay -¬ the Miners Museum, Savoy Theatre and Bayplex - all of which were in serious disrepair. Clarke was the first to pledge support for the revitalization of those facilities. He did so although the CBRM was experiencing a declining population and tax base, the highest commercial tax rate, highest unemployment rate and highest poverty levels in Atlantic Canada. Geoff MacLellan and Rodger Cuzner followed suit for the provincial and federal governments, respectfully.

The Miners Museum restoration is now complete and the Savoy is well under way. The Bayplex is much a greater challenge, but is coming along. Those projects would usually take decades, if not generations to complete. What an excellent example of all levels of government working together, for the good of a community. Disparaging remarks is hardly the recognition Cecil Clarke deserves for his leadership and hard work. Al Moore Glace Bay