A7

Mayor Ivan Court
Commentary

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

8 Comment(s)

I seldom reply to criticism from the editorial board; however, I felt I should respond to your editorial titled, "Where is the Mayor?," so that citizens who have not heard my interviews on radio and Rogers' "Voice of the Province" may be better informed about my position on the issues that you raised in your editorial.

Enlarge Photo

File

Saint John’s new mayor, Ivan Court, says he’ll approach all options for improving the city’s water infrastructure with an open mind.

Your editorial has noted that, in the eight weeks that I have been mayor, "Council has voted decisively on several small, but significant matters." However, you suggest that there has been foot-dragging and a lack of leadership with regard to larger issues - issues "that have the capacity to make or break the city's budget and will affect every taxpayer." I would argue that we have actually demonstrated strong leadership on these larger issues by not rushing to make potentially ill-conceived decisions. More importantly, by taking the time to ensure full public consultation, we are doing exactly what you condemned the previous council for not doing.

When it comes to "complex issues - the kind that will cost the city dearly unless wise action is taken," it is duty of the mayor and council to educate themselves on all aspects of the issues, engage all stakeholders, especially the citizens and proceed judiciously and with warranted caution. It is incumbent on council to take the time and the care to get these decisions right. The only thing you can do in a hurry is to make a mistake.

Furthermore, on these major issues it is important that all council be involved. Since the present mayor and council were sworn in on May 26 there has not been a council session that has had full attendance. Indeed, one contested council seat was only settled last week with the election of Ms. Patty Higgins.

Let me comment briefly on my position on the three issues that you have raised: the pension issue, the issue of public, private partnerships and waterfront development.

Regarding the pension board lawsuit, my opposition as a councillor to the pension board's lawsuit was due to my belief that taxpayers' monies could be put to better use.

Now, as mayor and chair of the pension board, my position is that since the issue is before the courts it would be improper to interfere with the justice process. "Justice must be done and justice must appear to be done."

In terms of the issues concerning water and the three Ps (public-private partnerships), my position has been consistent. I support people, people, people. Citizens have told me water has never been and should never be a commodity for profit in the marketplace. We are all aware that Stephen Harper's federal government has asked the municipalities to consider public-private partnerships as a possible solution to the infrastructure crisis facing the municipalities from coast to coast. This does not mean that public-private partnerships must be accepted as the best solution for each community. It simply means that the present federal government considers this to be an option that must be explored. I will approach all options with an open mind, always aware of the wishes of the people I have been elected to serve. I hope that other members of this council will do the same.

Finally with regards to waterfront development and the site that Irving Oil has selected for their new head office, my concern is that all sides of this debate around this issue get the opportunity to be heard. The Irving development on the waterfront has been endorsed by the port authority and the uptown business community. At the same time, the longshoremen have been critical of the deal with the port authority, as it would see the port lose three of its most valuable berths for ocean-going vessels. Pat Riley, secretary treasurer of the longshoremen, has argued that the cost to renovate the western side of the port would be in excess of $100 million. This is much more than the city stands to make on the waterfront deal. Other stakeholders and citizens have raised other questions which also need to be considered. Both Irving Oil and the city have agreed on the needs for public consultation. This will not happen if council rushes through this decision.

Any change, whether large or small, must be based on a sound reasoning that allows for an open exchange of divergent views so the best possible decision will be made on behalf of the citizens. Openness, dialogue and consultation are not a sign of a lack of leadership; rather, they are the hallmark of good decision-making and responsible government.

It is my goal as mayor to ensure that the citizens of Saint John get the good government that they deserve. I look forward to working with our three levels of government, business groups, community leaders and all stakeholders to promote Saint John in a positive light.

I will continue to ask questions that need to be asked so council will have the necessary information to make the best possible decision for the citizens of Saint John.