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speakup

There's an old saying that when someone asks how's it going, the reply is, "Same old, same old." I believe most of the voters in Bathurst would agree that "same old, same old" is not what we want of our elected municipal council.

As a past member of city council, I believed while working on major projects, like the civic centre (1986 to '89) and the Canada Winter Games (1993 to 2003), that these were extremely beneficial to the community and the region. They not only increased jobs but there were also many economic spinoffs. I fail to see anything like that now or projected for the near future.

A few questions that come up when discussing local politics are, "How long have they been there?" "How long should anyone be a member of council?" "Why do they want to stay?"

I believe any incumbent councilor, when asking for our vote, should be asked, What have you done over the years to deserve our vote? Have you made a difference for the betterment of our community or region? If elected, what are your plans and goals for the betterment of our community?

If they can't give a convincing response, they are probably there for the wrong reason.

In other communities like Saint John, there are interesting changes planned and many debates taking place. Not in Bathurst - same old, same old.

Debates are when councillors and candidates are asked questions and have to justify their ideas and actions - or lack of either.

In Saint John, the switch from councillors being elected at large to a mix of wards and at large is something that would probably serve our community well. The switch would not favour the incumbents, and that's probably why no one will float the idea for Bathurst.

There are individuals over the last four years who have in the press painted our region as a toxic wasteland.This certainly hasn't helped attract business or residents, yet no one has taken issue with their statements. Where is our leadership and passion?

We need elected officials to stand up, show some passon and tell those who try to make headlines at our expense that they're wrong.

I truly believe the main reason for difficulties in attracting new residents and businesses is our high taxes (second highest in the province) and the high cost of water and sewerage (highest in the province).

And yet, no present member of council, to my knowlege, has ever promised or even suggested trying to lower these charges. They will say there was no tax increase this year, but assessments were up by five to eight per cent. How does someone on a fixed income or a low wage earner cope?

As a community, we need energy, enthusias, new ideas and direction - possibly radical change.

If all you have is, "We'll keep our ears open, " or "We need more manufacturing" or "Tourism is important, " well, that doesn't cut it.

Make the difficult decisions - no more same old, same old.

Keith Loupelle

Bathurst

(Editor's Note: Mr. Loupelle served as a Bathurst city councillor from 1985 through 2004 when he didn't reoffer.)