I announced at the April 2nd “Committee of the Whole” meeting that I would stay the course as Mayor. I will not resign. I committed myself to this knowing that resistance to change continues as a major challenge.
I don’t underestimate the hard work needed to create a team capable of working together for the betterment of Black River-Matheson. This is a top priority. But I also plan to remain dedicated on an agenda that focuses on moving Black River-Matheson forward.
However, one item raised at the April 2nd meeting left me quite concerned. One of our Councillors asked that email no longer be used by the Head of Council or any other Council member in exchanging views, ideas etc. on any matter affecting Black River-Matheson. She said that all such discussions must only take place during Council meetings in Council Chambers.
Unfortunately, if Council passes a motion to this effect, it will send out an entirely wrong signal. The Internet and the value of the Internet have clearly been established. For our Council to fight against this reality and the advantages that the Internet brings in quickly communicating ideas will certainly bring ridicule raining down on us. We will become the laughing stock of Ontario, of Canada, and perhaps the world, labeled as modern day “Luddites”.
I pray that Council consider this issue very carefully. As a forward thinking community we must reinforce all the positive images available to us that we can!
Regards, Mike Milinkovich
April 12, 2007 at 2:49 pm |
I couldn’t agree with you more Mike! A look at history will show that silence and hidden agendas does not foster democracy. I hope we will all do our utmost to ensure that such small minded thinkers do not enjoy an extensive teure on a forward thinking and looking Council. Do not allow persons of this nature sway the course you are on and never forget that you do not have to stand alone. As recent indications have shown, you have the support of nearly every resident of Black River Matheson and the small minded thinkers do not stand a chance! Thanks Mike! Keep the BLOG alive.
April 12, 2007 at 9:11 pm |
If you look at any place in the free world. The Canadain Charter of rights and freedoms and the Consitution of the United States you will find a Line about Freedom to exchange of idea, Freedom of the Press (media), Exchanging idea via the Internet is the best way to demonstrait that. What ever counciller brought that up must not have clue about RESPONIBLE GOVERNMENT. which BRM deserves.
April 12, 2007 at 10:03 pm |
“One of our Councillors asked that email no longer be used by the Head of Council or any other Council member in exchanging views, ideas etc. on any matter affecting Black River-Matheson. She said that all such discussions must only take place during Council meetings in Council Chambers.”
What?!! I completely agree with you on this one Mike. The community has the right to know what is going on, and also has the right to make comments, and the right to express opinion and ideas. As residents of BRM, WE (the people who express the opinions and ideas that some councillors want to suppress) are also the people who elect our Mayor and our Councillors. And if we are not happy with the job that the Elected are doing for us, then WE are the ones in the end who make the decision on who goes and who stays. Now if this elected “Elite” make the decision that WE the “voters” are to be left in the dark about matters concerning OUR community, then the council is going to find themselves facing trouble with the community members who care and know, that they have the RIGHT to know what is going on in their community. And as you all have just seen a little while ago with all the community members who petitioned to keep our newly elected Mayor, there are ALOT of people who are ready to stand up and voice their own opinion on this matter should the councillor(s) get their way on this.
April 14, 2007 at 7:36 pm |
Hi Mike: I have to agree with you also Mike and the question I ask is : “What does this person have to hide from the Community of BRM?” Does she/he forget that they were elected by the people of BRM and therefore we do have some rights!! Thanks for hanging in there Mike, we know you will continue to do your very best for BRM. It won’t be easy, but then nothing worthwhile ever is!!
Sincerely Rev. Norma Teigen
April 15, 2007 at 2:34 pm |
“One of our Councillors asked that email no longer be used by the Head of Council or any other Council member in exchanging views, ideas etc. on any matter affecting Black River-Matheson. She said that all such discussions must only take place during Council meetings in Council Chambers.”
Now let’s take a real look at this. Is e-mail between council members made privy to everyone in the community? No it is not. Is this an open and transparent way of communication, no. I do agree that e-mail is a great form of communication but I have to share in the concern that some may see this as a covert way of coming to decisions of council without all members being aware of what’s being discussed. A policy for e-mail will have to be looked at soon. To use it for an exchange of information, yes. To use it to express opinion or views that could effect our community, NO. This is why we have council where comments are recorded and anyone may attend.
April 16, 2007 at 8:42 am |
E-mail is a great tool to use for communication and is used extensively in business and industry. My concern is that not all people have access to the medium so will only the privilaged few have knowledge of what is going on at council. The council should utlize the benefits of E-mail but votes should be taken in open council chambers and have the press report the proceedings in the paper we have a honest and excellant reporter Called Billie who tells it like it is.
June 13, 2007 at 6:28 pm |
II too agree with you Mike. In these modern times, the internet is as much a part of us as is our motor vehicles. Personal and confidential matters need to remain indoors but I cannot see anything wrong with communicating with other counsel members. I believe that those who might oppose this method use the telephone to do their communicating or chat when they meet each other outside of the counsel room. Commonsense and discretion needs to be applied in all situation. Keep up the good work. My prayer is that the counsel will work together as a team for the better of Black River Matheson.