Thus it was gratifying to see a spark of "political" interest flicker in the kawartha-online news group last week. First someone asked why the pool was closed. This triggered several answers and opinions, but the really gratifying part was the common theme: come to the council meeting to get the facts at the source.
The very size of that meeting was heartening. I counted 125 "spectators" inside the hall, and the crowd outside was estimated to be about the same. On the other hand, it was disappointing to see how few were aware of the basic rules; for many, it seemed, this was their first exposure to a regular Council meeting. (Maybe it's the American TV influence: shades of unruly "town hall meetings" on Northern Exposure.) But I think that everyone there appreciated the value of having a public forum for such local issues.
How many of those people realize that this time next year, there won't be a Bobcaygeon or Fenelon Falls Council, and that our lovely Municipal buildings may be put up for sale? Do they know that even though the local Councils are still in place, they are not longer in power, because of the restrictions placed on them by the restructuring order. Specifically, all decisions involving more than $10,000 must be approved by the Transition Board. Simply put, from now until the next municipal election, all important decisions in this County (sorry, City) are being made by this appointed body. And, that this blatantly undemocratic situation is perfectly legal, under the Municipal Act.
In this current taxation-without-representation scenario, it is even more important for the public to be vigilant, and for the Transition Board to be open to scrutiny. The decisions made by these people will affect us all, and for a very long time.Yet, at the meeting of the Transition Board, (where, incidentally, the Forbert Pool was also discussed - in camera) just three days after that tumultuous Bobcaygeon Council meeting, the room was almost empty of spectators.
However, even if you can't attend the meetings, you can stay informed of the process. Patti Cragg, the newly-appointed Communications Director has provided a comprehensive Transition Board web site at www.city.kawartha-lakes.on.ca on which she posts the agenda and minutes for all meetings, maps showing the new wards, and the board members and staff, as they are hired.On your first visit, if you haven't done so already, look at the Restructuring Order, and it's background document, the Kitchen Report. What you read there will probably quickly inspire you to "take an interest in local politics".
Links to the Transition Board site, and a sign-up form for kawartha-online, can be found on the Kawartha Internet Users' Group page. Start at www.bobcaygeon.com or email me at the address below. And, if you don't know how... come to the next meeting of the Kawartha Internet Users' Group, at the Lions' Hall, Main St., Bobcaygeon, 7:00 pm, Thursday July 13.