REMEMBER WE’RE DEALING WITH ALLEGATIONS - STEP BACK, COOL DOWN AND LET THE EXPERTS CARRY ON THEIR INVESTIGATIONS
I have talked to a few people in the past several days, who are seriously confused, angry and a tad spiteful about recent newspaper coverage, relating to problems at the new recreation centre. There was another front-pager in today’s Toronto Star, regarding the alleged financial problems, facing the revamped arena and new pool facility. I’ve heard that many citizens are outraged and want immediate answers from town hall. We don’t need vengeful actions here.....no yelling and screaming to make a point.......just the appreciation that investigations of this magnitude take time. Town hall, and councillors, while this investigation gets underway, will have little or no choice but to answer to authorities first......and while this might seem added disregard for the citizenry at large, this is where patience, understanding and compassion must play a role. Staff and councillors must feel pretty crappy right now, and like us, they care about the town they work for, and reside......and I truly believe they’re as angry about the turn of events as we are.....stuck on the so-called “outside looking in!”
While a majority of folks here in Gravenhurst, were stunned to read about the allegations, first on Thursday, and then again this morning, most appreciate that there must first be a thorough inquiry by forensic auditors, and at present, and for some time to come, we’re going to require patience and sensible proportion with all involved. The situation presented, while compelling, and important for us to know, is inconclusive and contains allegations, that must be investigated and proven. Having heard some angry retorts from ratepayers in the past 48 hours, and feeling they have already made up their minds about wrong-doing, we must surely appreciate that harsh responses, vengeful thinking and irresponsible reactions, will only make things more complicated for all concerned. If we’re as fair a society as I think we are, and a caring, resilient home town, we must appreciate the privilege of innocence until proven otherwise. For everyone implicated in this crisis, we must place democratic rules of order above shoot-from-the-hip accusations, and treat allegations as such. Not yet proven as fact! So before marching on town hall in protest, while certainly a democratic right, think about the consequences of fanning the fire.
Town Hall will get a lot of blame for this unfortunate situation, and I have expressed some of my Council Critiques in many, many previous blogs......published on my site long before this current event. This week, our suspicions have been cut to the nerve, by the media exposure, and we are entitled to be angry. We are not a wealthy community despite what some overseers think. The increases to taxpayers coming, will be brutal to many families, and all those on fixed incomes. When we read about taxes and alleged fiscal mismanagement, it’s to be expected protest will be aggressive. I caution my friends however, feeling justified to ask for resignations from council, that it is infinitely more important, to follow the steps here, and realize that everyone has a right to a fair hearing. My suspicion is that some critics have tasted blood and they will want immediate action, and it may mean firings and resignations. I’m hoping that those who read my blog-site, will be sensible and allow investigators to do their job, before pronouncing individuals guilty based on allegations and innuendos. Seems compelling information but there are many steps of investigation first to prove or disprove the claims made.
Following the mainstreet fire, several weeks ago, the number of conflicting stories coming from the so-called informed amongst us, were outrageously out of proportion, and most were factually inaccurate. Hearsay is a dangerous thing right now, and I’m sure a few folks are assuming roles of judge and jury, passing around information that is wrong and incredibly hurtful, at a time when we all feel the vulnerabilities of our little town here in South Muskoka. I will never deny the right of free speech. I’ve lived it my whole life. But I know the dangers of hateful, spiteful lashing out, by those who believe it is their democratic right to express themselves.....even if they are completely wrong. I urge all those defenders of democracy to think before they assess blame, and handle fact responsibly. While they believe they know what’s going on.....most don’t, and what they perpetuate is a prejudice that will hurt us more than a ten percent tax hike.
Of course I’m mad at these allegations. I won’t suggest for a moment that I’m not mad at town council for a number of budgetary impositions. But I must sit back, and refrain from all urges to hurl blame at individuals, and let the good folks who know more about accounting than I do, give me....give us all, the accurate low-down.
While it might seem a good idea, at the time, to make a smart ass comment to a councillor or town staff, grocery shopping or at a community event, cause it takes a load off your chest,......I beg you, as one agitated citizen to another, to reconsider and refrain from personal attacks. I’m sure they’ve already experienced some feedback. We owe them the opportunity to the same fair hearing as the project managers. We would ask the same for ourselves, if we were in their position
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