In McKellar Township, where Reeve Peter Hopkins faces a daunting opposition seemingly intent on upending his leadership because of about $3,000 in expenses, it feels like something more serious is afoot.
While the expenses are all accounted for, and are all for participation in regional initiatives McKellar ignored, to its own and the region’s detriment, for years, the anger over the costs seems over the top.
It’s important to monitor the costs of council members, all council members, and redirect those who are spending too much.
But $3,000 in unexpected mileage and meeting costs? That’s worth asking questions about.
That’s not worth the complete upheaval of a municipal government, or anger that disables a reeve who’s making great progress forging partnerships with neighbouring communities and area initiatives. Just two years ago, the six other municipal governments, not to mention not-for-profits and civic groups, looked askance at the municipality that always said “no.”
In Seguin Township, a rogue councilor, Alex Chidley, is in his sixth year of saying “no” to just about everything his council peers propose. Chidley’s accusations that his council peers are undemocratic fall on deaf ears, except when he impacts council decisions with his loud vexations and public participation.
What Chidley ignores is the fact that democracy means when you’re out-voted by an elected group, that’s what’s supposed to happen. You voice your discontent, cast your opposing vote, and move on.
Very publicly throw a wrench in every decision, and you’re not doing your municipality any favours.
It would help, though, if Chidley’s council peers could bite their tongues while he’s on his tirades. He’s quite capable of falling on his own sword.
In McKellar and Seguin, it appears the small stuff is eroding smooth operations. Council’s vendetta against the reeve in McKellar does not make for good acoustics where their municipality has made such headway. Chidley’s rants continue to draw the attention of onlookers, and confuse voters.
In both cases, municipalities could accomplish a lot more on behalf of voters if everyone could just get along.