The Rainy River District School Board was right in re-affirming its position that David Kircher had, indeed, breached the trustee Code of Conduct and equally correct in handing down the lightest consequence—a letter of reprimand from board chairman Michael Lewis.
The best news from last night’s board meeting, however, was the standing room only crowd that turned out. It was encouraging not because of their support for Mr. Kircher’s decision to make public details of amended severance packages for the director of education and superintendent of business the former board had agreed to behind closed doors at its final meeting back in November, but in showing that ratepayers do care how their money is being handled.
It was a clear message to the new board that accountability and transparency are demanded—and we won’t settle for anything less.
Kudos to Walter Horban for speaking out, and to all those who took the time on a Tuesday evening to say, “Hey, we’re not happy. Do a better job.” For not being content to simply gripe about it in the coffee shop or through anonymous online comments, but instead be willing to stand up to bring about change.
Voter apathy always is a hot topic come election time as fewer people turn up at the polls to cast their ballot, then invariably falls off the radar screen again. But apathy actually is most insidious between campaigns if people don’t pay attention to decisions by councils and boards or, worse, can’t be bothered about them.
It was a group of concerned citizens who first demanded answers over the missing funds from Fort Frances High School. It was a group of parents who addressed the board, wrote letters, and collected signatures in an effort to revamp the school busing policy.
That is the proper way to make our voices heard and concerns known, and hopefully it continues.
Bottom line, it is up to the public to keep councils and boards on their toes—and not just at election time. We have to be constantly vigilant and, equally important, proactive in providing input before decisions are made. Complaining about staffing reductions at the fire hall or OPP detachment rings hollow if we didn’t attend budget meetings to say cuts to front-line services are off-limits, or offer an alternate suggestion.
Sound government hinges on an involved citizenry. If we don’t care, who will?
Featured
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
