Editor:
How unfortunate that council yet again has chastised Coun.Sushil Thapar for speaking out.
Yes, he should, and has, apologized for his disrespectful language towards other councillors and the mayor.
However, he is the only one that is prepared to be open and transparent with the taxpayers who pay their allowances and expect honesty and fiscal responsibility, which I feel seems to be sadly lacking at the present time.
I can clearly recall when this mayor was herself on council and was disruptive and disrespectful towards Mayor Nate Bello.
What goes around, comes around.
Whatever one’s own beliefs and opinions, Bello was always willing to enter into open and interested discussion.
He never demanded that everyone agree with him.
Nor do I recall a time when he made any unprofessional comments concerning other members of council to city staff, which I was certainly subjected to by this mayor during my time at City Hall.
This council should realize that without disagreement, no change or growth is possible.
They should also be better prepared for council meetings, which might mean reading the agenda prior to Monday and even raising questions beforehand with staff concerned, so they have a better understanding of the issues.
I sincerely hope that rather than isolating Thapar, they make more of an effort to understand what he is trying to do, and be willing to provide the taxpayers with more information and answers as to how they are spending the taxes they raise.
It should not be necessary to continually obtain this information only through Freedom of Information requests.
They should also be prepared as individuals to stand up for what is right for the organization and for the community.
That is what they were elected to do.
Meriel Wild
Quesnel