LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Time for council to find itself a new regional chair

RE: CHAIR SAYS HE EXTENDED CAO’S CONTRACT ON HIS OWN INITIATIVE, AUG. 24

Having served as a municipal councillor, regional councillor and mayor including sitting and chairing a number of boards and commissions since 1978, I have never witnessed such arrogance, self appeasement and greed as we have witnessed during the current term of Niagara regional council.

For those of us who are following this three ring circus, the latest revelation that the chair bypassed his council to unilaterally extend the employment contact of the CAO is for me the last straw.

I personally know many of the regional councillors — who I know are honourable dedicated public servants — but I cannot understand why there has not been a motion to replace the chair for the remainder of this term.

And while it's fair to say that the chair has been faced with managing a very difficult and divided council, the credibility of our public institution is paramount.

A new chair for the remainder of this term may give everyone including the chair a opportunity to take a fresh breath of air as these matters get resolved.

The public deserves it.

Malcolm Woodhouse

Thorold

Region should ‘come clean’ with Niagara residents

RE: ALL THE CHAIR’S MEN: STAFF WITH ANSWERS MISS MEETING, AUG. 16

Last Thursday was a show of total disrespect for the decent councillors and the people of Niagara.

A legal meeting was called but staff seemed to want to things other than the normal, and bullying councillors tried to shut the meeting down.

Councillors who wanted the same answers as the people of the Niagara Region seemed to be looked down upon by those that think they are an elite sector and are there for benefit other than the taxpayers or people of Niagara.

It may be time for the people of Niagara to get together and petition the government of Ontario to place it under some sort of supervisor.

Something major has to be done to correct the situation on regional council so respect and honesty is returned.

Answers are needed for the CAO situation, the Burgoyne Bridge and other issues they seem to want to hide until after the election.

Come clean with the people of Niagara. John Hunt

Niagara Falls

Seniors ignored and forgotten by Canadian government

I am writing to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on behalf of seniors in Canada.

I think it is wonderful that you are helping families but feel you do not look into poverty.

There are seniors who live on nothing. We receive $595 a month from old age. Luckily for me I was a working mother, so I get CPP which brings my cheque up to $1,400. Rents go up , food prices go up. But not old age.

I had to pay $100 deductible for my prescriptions. I didn’t have it, so I borrowed it. Now I will be short on my cheque.

We can't live on $1,400. People on disability get free prescriptions, wheelchairs or scooters.

I worked all my life and paid my fair share of taxes.

I had to struggle to feed my kids. I’m ashamed to say that my Canada has ignored its elderly.

We have to make choices — can I buy a pair of winter boots, what do I give up?

Can Canada say it respects the elderly who made the country what it is today? Don’t you think it’s time to help us?

We are the poverty within society that is ignored.

Sussane Whalley

Port Colborne

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