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Editorial MPP Chris Hodgson has taken a lot of flak the last couple of years over his silence on the City of Kawartha Lakes and in particular, the method by which it came into being. A widespread suspicion still exists that he was sandbagged by Minister of Municipal Affairs Tony Clement who appointed Harry Kitchen and gave him full authority to have his way with us. When Mr. Hodgson was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, it seemed that the ideal opportunity had presented itself to de-amalgamation forces. Our MPP, being the Minister as well, was in the ideal spot to do something about local hostility toward a municipal restructuring mess that benefited a few at the expense of many. "Talk to us, Chris", was what we asked over and over again. Well guess what? Mr. Hodgson has listened to his constituents. He has heard their justifiable concerns and has acted on them. By agreeing to hold a referendum on de-amalgamation he has put the decision on local government squarely where it belongs: with the people most affected by it. Whether you love the CoKL or hate it, the ball is now in your court. As a courtesy to City Council, Mr. Hodgson asked for their blessing of the referendum. Councillors responded overwhelmingly ( 15 to 2) to give the people their chance to vote. Many traditional Tory supporters (and we do mean many) have said that they wouldn't vote for Chris Hodgson again unless he did the right thing. He has now done the right thing and a bargain is a bargain. It was fair game to threaten to punish him for bad behaviour. It is now only fair to reward him for good behaviour. The "yes" and "no" camps in the referendum battle can fight to the finish. The question on the referendum ballot will be clear and straightforward.. There must be no public money spent advocating either side in the debate. The campaign rhetoric will become intense if not bizarre. That's okay. People aren't dumb. The best arguments will win in the end. Let the fun begin.‡ Reprinted from The Red Rock Eye Opener |