Hold mayor, council accountable

The Oct. 22 municipal election is fast approaching and it is time to reflect on the performances of our current mayor and city councillors over the past term.

I, for one, am extremely upset over the sale of PDI to Hydro One and the entire way it was handled. I attended the information meetings and it was quite obvious to me that the Mayor had made up his mind that this was going to take place, regardless of the concerns of the majority of residents of Peterborough. I received information on the night of the first public meeting, by someone close to the situation, that a tentative agreement had already been reached with Hydro One and that was why three representatives of Hydro One were present at that meeting.

It certainly appears that if the mayor wants something done, it will happen, particularly when the same five councilors, Parnell, McWilliams, Clark, Beamer and Haacke, consistently vote with him, regardless of the opinions of their constituents. The vote in the majority of instances is the same, 6-5, the same five councilors and the mayor against the remainder of the council.

I was under the impression that our elected officials are to represent the majority of their constituents, but, if so, why were 94 per cent of the people of Peterborough ignored where the sale of PDI was concerned. Our opportunity to voice our concerns is fast approaching and I feel it is incumbent upon us, the 94 per cent, to hold our elected officials accountable. This is not the only issue that has been mishandled and it is time for Peterborough to make a change. Please consider closely your options when going to the polls.

Earl Bennet, Peterborough