Ageist attitude displayed in regional chair story

RE: NEW REGIONAL COUNCILLORS MULLING OVER NEXT CHAIR, NOV. 5

In the above story, there are references to councillor-elect Jim Bradley. St. Catharines councillor-elect Sandie Bellows is paraphrased as saying “… while she understands Bradley has some support, perhaps council needs someone younger to sit as the chair …”

If Ms. Bellows had said that perhaps council needs someone of a different gender, colour or religion to sit as chair there would have been outrage over her comment. Why isn’t there similar outrage over the ageist comment that she has made?

Mandatory retirement was discarded in Ontario in 2007. It is now recognized that older adults are as capable, if not more capable, than many who are younger. Heritage activist Pamela Minns, a Thorold resident, is a wonderful local example.

In her late 80s, Minns was instrumental in assisting the Town of Thorold in winning the prestigious Prince of Wales Prize for Municipal Heritage Leadership. Leonard Cohen was 82 when he released his final album before passing away. Warren Buffet, 88 years old, is still one of the world’s most respected money managers.

These people are judged on their skills, knowledge and personal qualities, not their age. Our next regional chair should also be judged on skills, knowledge and personal qualities, not age.

It is time we end ageism in our community. If our leaders express ageist comments how can we expect our community to adopt a different attitude?

Ellis Katsof

St. Catharines