Small price

Dear Mike:
I’d like to congratulate the current town council on a successful first year of term. I don’t think we all realize the time and personal energy you take from your work and families to serve your community.
I sincerely thank all of you.
I’d also like to mention that I am very sorry to see that Tannis decided to step down from council. Her intelligence, drive, and background in politics made her an invaluable resource. She will truly be missed.
The cost of the upcoming election seems to be a point of contention with some local residents. Council made a right choice in holding an election. One year has elapsed since the municipal election and three years of the term remain.
Coun. Drysdale could have appointed any resident to work as her “agent” for the remainder of her term. She chose not to do so.
Council also could have opted to appoint any interested resident directly into the vacant council position. Instead, council unanimously agreed, due to the length of term, that the decision should remain in the hands of the electorate.
I think it makes sense.
The two main issues during the last election—the community clinic and biomass boiler—are non-issues today. We have a fully-operational, government-funded community clinic and a large capital project at our mill (in an industry that is closing paper mills daily).
We all should be pleased and thankful that our community has two people who wish to run for the seat on council. Some communities have vacant seats or must acclaim all councillors because their residents are not interested in serving.
The cost of the election might seem like a large sum of money for any individual, but for our community it seems like a small price for democracy.
Signed,
Dr. Bruce Lidkea
Fort Frances, Ont.