Glass on beach isn’t only issue

I subscribe to the Journal-Pioneer, and have since arriving on the Island in December 2014. I was very disturbed to read Dave Stewart’s article “Walking on broken glass” in Wednesday’s edition.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was not born on P.E.I. I too am “from away” — but I prefer the label, “Islander-by-Choice.” My husband and I love the Island. We celebrate the rich culture, the sense of community, and the gorgeous scenery of this place.

Not so much the backward, hateful, divisive us-versus-them mindset.

The stunning and contemptuous flavour of the comments made by Mayor David MacDonald in response to the issue of glass and sharp shards on the Souris beach so disturbed me I felt I had to respond. So, these comments are directed to Mayor MacDonald, and will be sent to his office as well.

I live nowhere near Souris. But, like many who were born here and who chose to live here, the beauty of the Island’s coast and beaches is one of (and perhaps the primary reason) people live or choose to visit here.

Mayor MacDonald, may I respectfully say that the words you choose and the way you hurl them with such hate and judgment sets a very poor example of governance for your staff. You have essentially missed the whole point of Mike MacDonald’s complaint: the beach is unsafe for anyone — resident or visitor, and it needs to be properly maintained. Instead, you have chosen to attack the messenger.

Let me ask — do you respond to residents in the same dismissive and insulting way? Your correspondence using “u” instead of “you” is extremely unprofessional. You’re not texting — you’re fulfilling the obligations of your office! If you hold a position of responsibility, please act in a manner befitting it and use appropriate grammar. Respect the office. Respect those who raise issues, listen thoughtfully and address them, rather than attack them as they are brought before you.

I have to wonder at a government official who tosses out insults and then demands an apology when the hearer is exasperated. And so he should be. In one exchange you apparently called Mike MacDonald a drug user, a Trump clone, an idiot, a come-from-away kid, and a mental midget. Shame on you. You hold the office of Mayor. Act like one.

The energy you expended in justifying your failure and inaction to address a serious legal and health risk would be better spent in allocating the resources to fix the problem.

Mike MacDonald owes you nothing. You are serving him … and us … and all the residents and visitors here. You work for us, and hold a position of trust. You understand that, right? Other mayors of other cities have problems to contend with — maintenance to perform. And they manage it, and do in the normal course of business without insulting others. Sometimes — and I know this may be hard for you to believe — they thank us for bringing it to their attention. Isn’t that refreshing?

Your problem is you don’t seem compelled to stay on top of an issue that puts your community at legal risk.

And that, Mayor MacDonald, is the issue here — not who raised it, or where he’s from.

I have held many administrative positions in the public sector: in education, and energy, as well as finance and not-for-profit settings, and I write from experience that there are often heated or escalating exchanges that happen in the course of a work day.

Professionalism means listening, acting upon, and at times explaining to increase understanding — but never to justify inaction.

Never in my wildest dreams would I respond to anyone with the authority of the CEO’s office, like this.

Mike MacDonald doesn’t lack intestinal fortitude — you do. Man up and do your job, Mr. Mayor. Maybe if and when you do, your staff will recognize what public service is, and behave likewise.

Kathleen Terry, Summerside, is an Islander by choice who opposes the divisive ‘us-vs.-them’ mindset.