Another Reader Writes In

Up until now, I have refrained from writing to the Blog because I feel the Blog has done a very good job on its own, reporting the concerns of citizens, and increasing the public’s awareness. However, the tone of the Blog is sometimes a bit outrageous and not focused on trying to find solutions or common understanding. However, the recent debates and polls on “Reducing the Size of Council from 7 to 5” and “Reinstating the Wards System”, that we are now witnessing, seem quite constructive and positive. So, in the spirit of open and objective debate, I am offering some additional factors for the public’s consideration: 

• The Town of Kearney is huge geographically (529 sq. kilometres), one of the largest towns in Ontario, with one of the lowest population densities of 1.5 people/sq. kilometre. Source – 2006 Census. 

• Kearney is larger than North Bay (315 sq. kms.) and almost twice the size of Mississauga (288 sq. kms.). Kearney is larger than 17 countries of the world including Antiqua, Barbuda, Barbados, and Monaco. 

• Kearney comprises 4 Townships or partial townships – Butt, McCraney, Bethune, and Proudfoot, plus Kearney Townsite (the village). Township sizes in our area of the Province are generally 1000 acres in size. 

• Although Proudfoot has the largest voter population, Bethune has the most households (includes residences and cottages) 

• Based on the 2006 Census, almost 1/3 of the full time residences are single occupant, mostly seniors and the elderly. Most of these are concentrated in the village part of Kearney. 

• Kearney comprises a very diverse population; full time residents with approximately 30% seniors and the elderly living alone; young families; small business owners; part time residents mostly cottagers; hunt camp owners; non-resident property owners. All these individuals are eligible to vote in Kearney’s municipal election. 

• Most significant accomplishments in Kearney over the past 2 decades have been accomplished through our volunteers and funding grants; eg Lions Park; our Trails; Roads Needs Study and the reconstruction of Main Street (G8 Legacy Funding) and Highway 518/Chetwynd Road BCF Funding (2009-2015); the Kearney Community Centre; renovation of the 2 kitchens in the Community Centre; the expanded/update Kearney Library; new Community Centre washrooms; part of the town Dock; Kearney Regattas; Dog Sled Races, and many other community events. The key here is volunteers, and to encourage and support volunteers, you require a council of sufficient size and involvement to support volunteer endeavours. 

• Given the size and diversity of Kearney, how can fewer councillors, all from one area of the Town, and who do not live in Kearney, adequately provide the support of our volunteers and to understand the needs and opportunities of the Town. In my view, they can’t. 

• The argument that fewer councillors will save money doesn't seem to compute. During this term of council we have experienced fewer councillors who are involved and our volunteers are very uninvolved. This has placed an increased demand upon staff to do the research, fact gathering, or initiatives development, and staff costs money, volunteers don’t. 

• Councillor-led Volunteer Committees of Council with active involvement from the community and other groups have managed to accomplish extraordinary things at little or no cost to the taxpayers. In 2010, Rain Lake Road was reconstructed ($3,000,000 value) through a partnership arrangement with MNR, Westwind, Ontario Parks, and Algonquin Forestry Agency. The Town provided Public Works staff and equipment that would have otherwise had to be used on Road Maintenance. It is amazing what can be done when everyone is pitching in and there is an active involvement from council. The current trend is in the opposite direction and a reduced council will only exacerbate the situation. The preceding is some points for consideration when debating the reduction of councillors or reinstating the Wards System. We have had 2 years with a council that was elected at large (no Wards System), comprising a number of non-resident councillors (3 of 6), primarily representing one area of the Town. We have virtually no volunteer involvement with the current council and initiatives towards the betterment of the Town have dried up. 

The Blog has stirred up a lot of controversy but it seems the general public appreciates being kept informed, especially when the criticisms seem well founded. Can you imagine where the Town of Kearney would be if the Blog hadn’t shone the spot light on the antics we have unfortunately had to witness over the past two years. The needs of our seniors, the elderly, the struggling families and small businesses are being ignored and we see Lions Park facilities locked up and the Library’s operating surplus being taken to balance the Town’s 2013 operating budget. What happens next year when the Library can’t cough up? All of this because this council cannot set an adequate tax rate to meet fundamental needs, nor take advantage of the many capable and experienced volunteers in our Town. I’ll leave it at that. 

Sincerely,

Jeff Johnston (Sr.)

Town of Kearney

Thanks, Jeff! Your point on councillor participation is well taken. Councillor Barry Dingwall has stated publicly that he doesn't want to do much more than attend meetings, and doesn't spend much time preparing even for those. We've shamed him and others into volunteering, but it's still only been a minimal effort. Mayor Tomlinson usually doesn't hang around after the photo-op or free meal.