To the Editor:
I am sending a copy of a recent letter that I sent to the Mayor and Council.
Dear Mayor Charbonneau and Saugeen Councillors,
Let’s start with the wide view in the world at large.
There was a General Election in Ireland in 1977. The opposition party won in a landslide. One of the main platform points for the winning party was abolition of “rates” – a.k.a. in Canada, the abolition of “property taxes”. The intention was to move the management of money and power away from the municipality towards the national government. Essentially the role of the municipal representatives was to be more as local “advocates” rather than “managers”.
The long term result – Ireland has moved from a struggling backwater economy (1977) to the second place in the world on GDP per capita (2025). However, in recent years, they are reviewing this again with the strong mayor powers coming into focus as a step to greater local “advocacy”.
Now for the narrow “local” view. Saugeen Shores is unique. It has a highly respected mayor. The council operates well. It values cooperation and agreement over confrontation.
It is bordered by three municipalities – Kincardine, South Bruce Peninsula and Arran Elderslie. Things are not the same however with our neighbours. Since April 2021, the mayor of Kincardine has abruptly resigned, the mayor of South Bruce Peninsula has resigned in “disgrace”.
In addition, on January 31, 2022, an Ontario Superior Court Judge declared the conduct of the municipal folks with respect to the St. Paul’s rectory in Southampton as atrocious and awarded massive costs therein. This latter judgement was against the Bruce County officials, but the local municipal representatives should not hide behind Bruce county officials.
So, as we pause and reflect about “Strong Mayor Powers”, let’s think about the Irish situation and ultimate result in the long run.
I do not advocate for any approach. I’m just an old messenger.
Gerard Walsh
