Ageism and disdain for democracy

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

Why is Sandie Bellows being so silly? Her remarks were odd for someone who was elected and allegedly represents the people of Niagara.

She said she was annoyed by an email campaign in support of Jim Bradley being made regional chair.

“It’s not Jim's doing, but people who support him,” she said. “I’m getting messages every day. I don’t like it.”

People getting together to lobby for an outcome is part of democracy and occurs every day. If Bellows finds people expressing their point of view to her “annoying” then perhaps she can publish guidelines for those views she will consider and for those that will annoy her and which would be unworthy of her attention.

As for wanting someone younger, I assume she means younger than Mr. Bradley. Is this ageism or anti-Bradleyism? If she is against those above a certain age, she should also announce what that age is.

Age does not determine competence. Ms. Bellows’ age shows that people born that year can say ridiculous things that show a disdain of our democracy.

Barry Wilson

St Catharines