Councillors need not agree on all matters, but they do need to respect the opinions and rights of all, including all the city residents.
I am concerned about some quotes attributed to Ward 11 Coun. Terry Kett, which seemingly demonstrate an autocratic and disrespectful attitude. The following are some recent examples:
At the Finance and Administration meeting on Dec. 4, Mayor Mariann Matichuk asked questions about the proposed HCI application form, to which Kett made a disrespectful and condescending comment to the mayor, saying “I’d expect you to know that.”
Kett was quoted as having said about our auditor general, “What is not permanent is that guy’s job.” I believe referring to Mr. Bigger as “that guy” simply is disrespectful.
Kett was again quoted “So we have to tell these community groups they have to use city facilities instead of going to Espanola and Verner (for ice time).”
I believe any group should be free to choose if they want to use and pay for out-of-town facilities.
Though there may be ice time available at some of the city arenas, often the scheduling is not suitable for the needs of certain groups. Surely the Sudbury taxpayers are not subsidizing the cost of ice time at these out-of-town arenas.
We don’t force councillors to live in the ward they represent, so let’s not force groups to use unwanted ice time. We’re not in Beijing, Moscow or Havana.
Bernie Beland
Greater Sudbury
