200… These discussion posts do take time to prepare.

For me, it is time well spent. I care about our community. I watch as many Council and Committee meetings as I can and doing so has led me to a few important observations.

First of all, I think it is just as important to listen to what is not being said as it is to listen to what is actually said.

I encourage everyone to read the agendas. Pay attention to how many issues are simply slid into a consent agenda motion and passed by a vote of 7-0, with NO discussion. These “consent agenda” items should be reserved for truly routine issues. These days though… many items are simply shoved through. It avoids public scrutiny.

Occasionally, items arise that our Council knows will be discussed online, or one they are aware is already a hotbed topic. It’s actually entertaining hearing them almost all reading their prepared “comments” that sound like someone else wrote them.

Rarely… one Council member may disagree with something and express that feeling. When this happens, the Mayor typically reserves his right to be the last to speak and he starts out with, “what I’m hearing is”…

Then he typically goes on to berate the person who expressed the dissenting opinion. He makes it abundantly clear that the person making it is wrong. The sad part is he doesn’t reserve this treatment for Council members. He also does this to members of the public.

Mr. Mayor, it is not your job to argue with everyone not supporting you. It is your job to provide a forum where their voice CAN be heard. That dissenting voice and the opinions expressed should be afforded the same respect from you (and the members of council you oversee) that you demand of people as our Mayor.

There are 165 discussions remaining in this commitment. I have been asked by several people to focus on a wide variety of issues. The upcoming budget is just one that others have asked me to address. I’m glad they did, as I am finding the research enlightening. It has been great receiving these suggestions because I take these opportunities to research and learn as much as I can. Then, I share both the concerns of others as well as my own thoughts. I think that’s the important thing… we, as a community can share in our knowledge of certain things. Even if you fear the online attacks, just continue sending your comments to me. I have broad shoulders and can weather the storms.

What actually makes this work the most is when I share issues important to others. I received more personal messages after the Wasaga Sands discussion and also the BIA discussion, than I do with most.

Although I have a long list AND there are many issues that have not yet arisen, it is important to address things important to you.

So… private message me and I will treat your concerns in confidence. This is true for everyone but particularly true if your concern in speaking out is due to ANY intimidation!

If you have a particular skill set or knowledge base, I welcome your input as well. I am truly enjoying the many new people this project has allowed me to meet. Continue reading without joining in. Even the cyber-bullies can’t track what you are reading.

The negative, nasty comments thrown around in some groups actually motivate me to continue. In fact, I think they have played a big role in the plans I am working on for year two. Yes… I said year two. But that’s 165 days away. More about it later.

Tomorrow… is number 201. I honestly don’t have it written yet, but many contingency discussions are ready to edit. Something will motivate me as the day unfolds.