As the discussion of the pros and cons of Sudbury city council’s decision not to use the services of the provincial ombudsman continues, André Marin himself seems only to jam his foot more and more firmly in his oversized mouth.
Mr. Marin makes it very clear he has damaged irretrievably the relationship between himself and our elected council. He began this when he criticized a council he had found innocent of all charges.
Mr. Marin’s role is a judicial one. People in judicial roles are expected to conduct themselves so as to be respected by those they are paid to judge. Obviously (to most of us) this means you don’t make irrelevant and insulting comments about groups you investigate.
Now Mr. Marin claims there is “a huge uprising of anger among average Sudburians.” What we actually have are media that pay far too much attention to an unelected group of citizens calling itself a “taxpayers” organization.
To try to fuel the fires of discontent, this group now plans to send postcards to seek signatures in support of its crusade against those we Sudburians elected. I have a suggestion for my fellow taxpayers.
Please, if you feel you voted for the right person to represent you in the 2010 election, sign the postcard, but insert the word “not” into your response to indicate that you still support your councillor.
I assume the “taxpayers” group will include such responses in their analysis of the results.
As well, I would encourage this group should reflect on the damage it is doing to our city by distracting good people from the job we elected them to do, as well as by joining Mr. Marin in besmirching Sudbury’s reputation.
The undeserved criticism will discourage some councillors from running in the next election and will make other good people reluctant to seek office.
Maybe the members of the taxpayers committee should themselves seek election to a seat on council rather than just backing another. This would legitimize their cause and allow the people to give them a mandate.
As for Mr. Marin, if he wishes to enjoy the limelight by criticizing any who disagree with him, perhaps he should run as a political candidate for whom that kind of behaviour seems to be more acceptable.
Chris Nash
Greater Sudbury
