Why can't council members work together?
I am originally from Singapore and I have been living in Saint John since 2001. Now before people start yelling "Go back to your country" or "If you were in your country, you'd be in jail for speaking up" (it has happened), I would like to clarify for the record that Singapore is a democratic society very much like Canada. But, I am not a political scientist; I don't hold a PhD and I am not involved in the political/economic scene in the city. My comments are based on my observations from years I have spent here, and I am writing with respect.
To be upfront, I have been told I cannot vote in the upcoming municipal elections, so this may all be a moot point for people seeking votes. I want to see Saint John grow and prosper. I have candidates that I support and I wish them all the best.
I have had many thoughts over the past weeks on the election and the city. I will try to summarize my thoughts into one question and one statement (hopefully coherently), and I hope that city councilors-to-be give me a few minutes of your time.
In any organization, there will be conflict, disagreements, and dislike for another with no apparent reason, ego clashes, personality quarrels.
That's OK.
It's part of the deal and it happens in most places. But the question in my mind is, why can't the organization work together in civility and professionalism?
It does not paint an encouraging picture that our future is in good hands when there is bickering going on. All of you have the same goal (in theory), so that should make working together easier, doesn't it?
You cannot be running for city mayor or city councilor to stroke your ego for personal ambition or to add to your resume or so that your friends, husbands, wives, etc. can say that they know a councilor. There should only be one reason why you are running - because you want to make a positive difference.
My plea to the succeeding batch of city councilors is that you remember why you are doing this, because there will be challenging times. Put your ego aside, do the right thing. Most importantly, lead by example and take care of business first.
Politicking is the nature of the beast but results and actions are the only things that matter. When the basic needs are in order, when the potholes are fixed, when poverty is lowered and decent jobs are present, everything else will follow.
It is said, "Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain."
For better or worse, the fate of the city is in your hands.
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I hope and trust the new council will read this and act on it. The reasons people put them where they are, is so they can fairly represent us, the Citizens (taxpayers).
Now that this election is over, we can get on with the fair governing of our City, where everyone pays the same for the services provided.
Lets put the LNG affair to bed. This affair has come back to haunt the previous council members that supported it, now lets let it go.