I recently read an opinion piece that read “A pandemic should not challenge democracy.” A number of the points made hit the nail on the head regarding federal politics during the COVID-19 crisis and is very evident in our local government here in Moose Jaw, as well.
Abraham Lincoln coined a very important phrase that reads, “No man is good enough to govern another man without the other’s consent.”
In this I read that there should be no political representative of the people that has been elected into an office that is above reproach, especially when they spend the people’s money that is collected in taxes without the cumulative consent of the people. These decisions that are being made are done mostly behind closed doors, without the public’s input or questions before making decisions.
During the City of Moose Jaw poll regarding mayor and council salary increases, the panel that redacted the results publicly stated that they saw any questionable comments as "noise and negativity."
Why do politicians think they are above the law to govern without following the laws of the land?
In our municipality, The Cities Act lays out the ground rules for handling items such as policies, laws and bylaws that should be adhered to.
Governments should not feel entitled to make decisions that affect the people that are under their rulership without public consultation, hopefully prior to decisions made, COVID-19 restrictions or not. Although I think that the City Council giving our local government a substantial wage increase into 2021 puts dollar signs in the eyes of some presently in council, it technically seems to show little concern for the citizens of the community and to me is simply unethical. It may, however, bring out some very reputable candidates to the forefront in the upcoming election, some who may even have the welfare of the community in mind.
Although some councillors voiced concern over the large wage increases for their positions, I certainly noticed that the mayor did not make a peep during deliberations but was the first on camera to put up his hand in favour of an 18 per cent wage increase for the mayor’s salary.
I also noticed that recent celebrity, Steve D. Goose has made his run for mayor official and his spokesperson has stated that he ““understands how people are struggling at the moment and promises to OVERTURN the pay increase the previous administration voted for,” the Facebook pledge reads adding, “In fact Steve will be implementing a pay freeze effective immediately with all monies saved going back into the city's coffers. A Vote For Steve is a Vote for fiscal responsibility.” (Please see the related story in this edition, “Steve D. Goose Running For Mayor.”)
Elaine Ashfield, the author of the opinion piece rounded out her article to say, “Be aware, a pandemic does not eliminate your rights as a citizen or your responsibility as an elected official.”
Citizens of Moose Jaw, you have a right to be heard by your/our local government and should be given the opportunity to do so when it comes to the decisions being made under our noses rather than above board with the community’s consent.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
