May we suggest

Jan 02, 2008

It’s a new year and a new beginning. While residents across our area are no doubt taking their first steps of their New Year’s resolutions, we at the Almaguin News have compiled a list of possible resolutions our politicians, local groups, organizations and communities may want to consider.

First, some housekeeping of our own: organizations across the Almaguin Highlands might want to consider a blanket New Year’s resolution to send out information to the media in advance of a special event rather than phone the local reporter the night before, or even the day of. We will not name names, but you know who you are. We strive to cover as much within our many communities as possible, but an early heads-up makes it a lot easier to get your event put on the coverage schedule.

A similar resolution for staff in Nipissing MPP Monique Smith’s office, who continue to keep us well-informed of visiting dignitaries, but never give us any advance notice in order to schedule travelling time to North Bay, and often fails to tell us if the issues to be discussed are relevant to our readership and thus worth the trip to the city.

For Chisholm Township councillors, a resolution to attend all council and council committee meetings between January and April is a must to ensure quorum in the absence of vacationing Councillor Doug Penny.

For Powassan councillors, think about a resolution to draw up a rotational candle light vigil to guard the Centennial Gazebo from any further vandalism.

For the Nipissing South East Municipal Action Group (NSEMag) to actually sign an agreement of shared use of contracted positions, like an environmental engineer. In theory this group has some great concepts for sharing services, but so far the words are a lot louder than the actions.

Patience might be in order for Powassan Mayor Bob Young, who is so hot to trot on eliminating the proliferation of signs adorning lamp posts that he’s liable to pull them all down before a replacement strategy has been formulated by the new ad hoc sign committee.

Trustees of the Near North District School Board should resolve to bottle up some Christmas spirit, saving it for the year to come. During the last round of budget deliberations, a definite voting block of former-Nipissing school board trustees became evident and was less than useful. No matter the challenges that lie ahead of the board – and there’s no shortage – working together for students will serve everyone much better than out-of-date political alliances.

Trustees should also resolve to get active in the school closure process that appears to have been set up at arms-length from themselves. Review committees are useful and their recommendations will go a long way toward helping communities understand why their school couldn’t remain open. But, at the end of the day, it is your votes that will decide the fate of these treasured institutions. You will need better defense of your actions than, “The committee told me to.”

In Ryerson Township the council should resolve to understand just how much fire, landfill, recreation, library etc. will cost if they do not partner with their neighbours. There could be a lot of itches left unattended if council forgets the rules to “I’ll scratch your back, if you scratch mine.”

Magnetawan council’s New Year’s resolution should be to drop its dirty chain-lawyering habit. With $35,000 in the budget for legal fees NOT associated with the ongoing union negotiations, that is a lot of money out the window with hard-to-show returns. Nipping that attorney dependence in the bud could easily return cash to ratepayers’ wallets. The $35,000 figure represents a one per cent tax increase all by itself.

In the same vein, may 2008 bring fewer legal battles, and thus, lawyer’s fees, for the Township of Perry.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) needs to find a way to prove that it is working for the best interests of the community and not its bottom line. The announcement of the new Family Health Team and proposed $1 million expansion at the Burk’s Falls and District Medical Centre is a great opportunity for MAHC to do just that. Resolve to consult with the public and keep the process transparent so people can see whether the move is an augmentation or replacement of services.

The Town of Kearney has been struggling with meeting lengths for much of 2007. It’s just another year in a long legacy of meeting-a-thons in the Biggest Little Town. Kearney’s council should resolve to improve their meeting mechanics. Things get done in Kearney, but in a long, drawn-out way. Council should strive to be more productive and mindful of the clock, and its head, the mayor, should resolve to rule over chambers in 2008 to make meetings more streamlined, and thus, more accessible to residents.

To our local MPs: please resolve to agree that both of you think Parry Sound-Muskoka is part of Northern Ontario. Throughout 2007, Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement has accused Nipissing MP Anthony Rota that he thinks our area should be stripped of its eligibility for FedNor funding. Rota says that’s untrue. In 2008, let’s see Parry Sound-Muskoka’s Northern Ontario status solidified and less political hay made between our sparring local members over the issue.

For residents across our coverage area to remember that families in need are with us all year round, not just at Christmas. Make contributions to their local food banks a monthly consideration.

May volunteers across the Highlands to continue in their selfless work in 2008. Hopefully even more residents will discover the rewards that come with the choice of donating time for the betterment of our communities and the lives of the people in them.

Let’s hope that 2008 brings a productive year for all of the above-mentioned, and a safe and happy year for all residents and visitors of the Almaguin Highlands.