There have been many letters on the merits of amalgamation and how it would cure the ills of the area. However, none of the pro-amalgamation writers seem to be looking past their interests, which always seem to require immediate priority. Did any writers of the pro-amalgamation letters question in whose hands the electoral power to determine the makeup of such a governing body would be? I have approximate figures from four area municipalities based upon population 32,000 seasonal residents, 12,484 permanent residents and let’s add 6,000 for the Town of Parry Sound residents – 12,484 plus 6,000 equals 18,484 – a total of 32,000 seasonal and 18,484 local residents.
It’s easy to see who would determine the makeup of such an area government. The problem we have with our economy (22 per cent less income per household than the rest of Ontario) is the non-resident landowners, who, through sheer numbers, control area councils, land use planning and zoning - virtually everything that is involved in the day-to-day lives of the people that live here permanently - including future economic growth. The Town of Parry Sound is the only governing body in the area in which permanent residents have the electoral power to actually elect their own government. They would have to be lacking cerebral matter to want to give up their autonomy to seasonal residents through amalgamation.
Most local municipalities, in order to appease the seasonal residents, have gone to the mail-in ballot, which virtually ensures the area’s permanent residents delegation to second-class citizens.
We have too many politicians on area councils who place the interests of seasonal residents over permanent in order to be elected. This will change very shortly and quickly.
“Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities.”
Gord Zulak
McKellar