Discussion 80 of 365;

The reality is that the phrase “heal the divide” itself indicates that the divide is a community injury. It actually does require healing, but it only matters to those aware of the damage it is doing. Quite honestly, the majority of our population are (thankfully) oblivious to this divide.

The sad reality is that unless a taxpayer becomes engaged and questions our Council, they will not experience any of the discomforts inflicted on those who do question their actions. (or inactions).

Remember that I have demonstrated in recent discussions that the divide in Wasaga Beach has been fueled by deception. The reality is that adults who realize they have been deceived are not always fast to forget. So… don’t forget.

Also, nobody likes to admit they have been fooled, but don’t let that affect your decision to move forward with open eyes and a strong voice.

BUT WHY BOTHER?

In 1867, Andrew Marshal said, “Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.”

My brief research shows that may be the original version of the words frequently attributed to Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Anyone seeking motivation to get involved, Google these sayings and read some of the many discussions on the topic. I think a specific political version of this thought should be created.

“Deceptive Politicians need do nothing more to get away with corruption, than that their electorate should look on and not question.”

So, healing the divide (in my humblest opinion) first requires that we recognize wrongdoing and deception are happening in our Council. Our electorate needs to not simply recognize the intimidation being exerted for people to remain silent, but we also need to take steps to say, no more! It doesn’t matter how small the lie appears to be. It doesn’t matter how insignificant a wrong is painted as being. The bottom line is our elected representative need to be accountable.

It is absolutely astounding to me the number of emails I have heard of that go unanswered by our Mayor. He has personally ignored several of my enquiries. It seems that when he does answer, many people are told to file Freedom of Information requests to get their answers. Is this because of who is asking the questions or because of the harm a complete answer may reveal?

Over the next few days, we will explore why seeking the truth is so important. We will use recent events to demonstrate that questionable activities are taking place and that our Council are complicit, naïve, or simply turning a blind eye.

There is a recent surge in Mayor Smiths support network telling people to ignore social media information. The WB Ratepayers Association Inc took out a full paged add in Beach Booster with this same theme. Today, I understand people are now hearing Beach Booster sponsored radio adds that express concerns. During the last Council meeting our Mayor actually tried to predict that social media posts would address the Councils actions.

So, it is becoming apparent that our efforts to be heard are having an impact on public opinion.

Make no mistake, the Mayors words, radio advertising, published advertisements, these are all tools used to drive a wedge in deeply. These tools that fuel a divide are dangerous. Efforts are being made to discredit these Chronicle discussions.

I actually encourage EVERYONE to question the content of these discussions. Why? I honestly believe that if silence is nurtured through intimidation, those inflicting that intimidation win.

Open, candid discussions should be encouraged by those we elect to represent our needs. I certainly encourage it here.

So… speaking out is working.

Tune in tomorrow to look closely at a recent quarter million dollar municipal purchase that SHOULD have triggered public enquiry. Instead it met with silence at our Council table.

Honorable politicians of our past have ensured policies are in place to protect the interests of Wasaga Beach taxpayers. Ignoring or manipulating interpretation of those policies is reprehensible, irresponsible behaviour.

All seven of our elected officials have taken an oath of office. That Oath is on my list of future discussions.