Looking for Volunteers

Kearney Councillor Louise Wadsworth's blog says that council is looking for volunteers for various committees. 

But, even if you've already been a well-established volunteer, you'll have to be screened by Mayor Tomlinson and his Proudfoot masters before you're allowed to continue. Sure, your years of selfless service to your community will count for something, but ultimately if the Proudfoot Four don't feel that you're worthy, you'll be out, Townie!

Let's consider the Town Beautification Committee. This committee has boasted the most volunteers of all of Kearney's committees. Volunteers provided everything from architectural drawings for the town dock to the watering of flower planters on main street. to panoramic photos that adourn the Community Centre. Maybe Wadsworth didn't notice, but at the last council meeting Mayor Paul Tomlinson disbanded the Town Beautification Committee stating that Public Works can do the job better. So it you end up wondering why the potholes aren't being filled it's because the roads department is watering flower pots or putting up seasonal decorations at the Community Centre. Awesome use of resources, Paul! 

But hey! Mayor Johnston used to help with the decorations, so maybe Mayor Tomlinson will cover that. Yah. Right.

So the dissolution of the Beatification Committee must be what Wadsworth means (in Proudfoot-speak) by:

"The council had some interesting discussions regarding the makeup and number of committees."

And let's not forget that Wadsworth and Tomlinson were the only ones to vote AGAINST a $300 donation from the Town toward a plaque honouring Kearney's Veterans, to be presented at the 2010 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner (An event that Tomlinson has never attended). Wow! A whole $300!?! Jeez, Paul, next time, just ask us; We'll write you a cheque.

And don't overlook the small print on Wadsworth's blog:

"The committees can be revised as council see[sic] the need."

In other words, if the volunteers, or their committees, don't march to Tomlinson's drum, they're out!

No wonder they can't find volunteers.

Are you surprised?