The Trough, the Plan and the Rolr of the Electorate

[oneoff]

These are the facts; correct the erro
rs or take them as reported.
RM Council has decided to have a comprehensive plan commissioned to provide a framework for development in the Oxbow/Enniskillen area. As explained by the contractor who spearheaded this initiative; the process must involve and evolve from the local residents.
The first problem is that the RM council is afraid that any ratepayers meeting might to used to tear a strip of council. Further, according to council, there is no popular demand for such a meeting or any consulation and input into council proceedings.

The council has correctly read the pulse of the ratepayers. They have totally misread the reasons why it should be essential to see that this disconnect must be remedied.

Apathy; cynicism; personal decisions based largely on self interest of ratepayers and council members; near complete ratepayers ignorance of public business details; bylaw changes and their meanings and effects; complete lack of general involvement in public business; council declarations made without explanation or a logical progression within a planned framework are surely not examples of good governance.


The $60,000 worth Community Planning process has been a complete failure so far. Months into the process and the meeting with the town still hasn't been held. Thre was very poor response to the "on a scale of one to ten how pleased are you with various small programs has decided are their priorities". There was precious little reference to "Northgate development"; coordination with a necessary vibrant town development; future of hamlets and villages within the RM boundaries and the growing needs and desires of the area. The ratepayer driven priorites just didn't seem to to be a part of Council's "plan"; and few responses were guaranteed.
Sure all the responsibility comes back to the ratepayers................but this all did transpire under the "leadership" of "elected representatives" and this isn't going to look good as examples of ways to engage communities in their futures.
Is this how a democracy decays; and the age of enlightenment goes dim.

[oneoff]

Sorry .... heading should read "Role"

[dave4441]

Apparently marketing covers alot these days. No offense, but why dont you just run for the RM? Half these posts make no sense at all because we dont live there or care about politics at a RM level 800 kms away. Maybe Agriville needs a "Disgruntled rate payer" section.

[oneoff]

Sorry you miss the points made in examples that should have much wider applicability in general.
It should make people such as yourself feel considerably better; knowing you are in the company of large numbers who don't understand what is being talked about.
The majority will fit in quite nicely not wanting or having any say in how their future unfolds. That is until your ox is gored; or you come on the end of a very dirty stick (and no one is there to stand up with you).
And for your information; I am on the extreme other side of being disgruntled.

[oneoff]

What about the other half of the posts, that apparently do make some sort of sense.

Where are the comments regarding those points; or is sitting on a fence the most comfortable place in all situations?
I doubt if the apathy/self-interest level is any different in your neighborhood; and I also doubt if many are raising that issue for debate.

[oneoff]

You tell me why the Jews in Germany in the 1930's and 40's didn't do something about their situation. You tell me why SARM and their member municipalities are so resistant to change. Why did the Sask Chamber of Commerce get so little spport for their proposal? Why do ratepayers (apparently everywhere) show such a low level of priority and interest in public decisions that directly affect their lives.
I submit that prioities have changed such that there is next to zero input (in many areas at least); and the void is filled by people who soon come to love the bits of power they get to dish out as they see fit. And this gives a certain type of person great pleasure and satisfaction.
That is not any part of democracy. Too bad we couldn't have asked the Jews in Germany how bad it can get.

[grrrr]

I agree with Dave4441. Run for council. Become an "elected representative" and you will have your chance at "leadership".

[oneoff]

Would you support any prospective councillor who promised to not approach a council position in the same manner as present council decisions?
In other words what do you look for in your RM representatives.

[gregpet]

Someone that doesn't have verbal diarrhea
on a commodity marketing forum. Keep the
posts short and sweet. Still can't get
past the first paragraph of any of your
posts. The single liners I read.

[bgmb]

Try
Point

Form