As a life-long resident of the Greater Sudbury Area, and
having lived in Val Therese for the past 32 years, I feel that it is my
right to be given the opportunity to express my opinion on amalgamation
through an official referendum in the November 13, 2006 election.
Perhaps
enough pressure can be brought to bear upon the current City Council so
that they understand that when their constituents are so passionate about
a single issue, it is important to listen. It is my feeling that the
referendum will take place if the public can mount enough of a campaign.
The reluctance of the current City Council to approve a referendum is
significant. They are well aware of the wide-spread dissatisfaction among
local ratepayers, especially those of us who are living in the outlying
communities. To ignore the requests for a referendum is considered a clear
message of the importance of the outlying communities to the future plans
of the City of Greater Sudbury.
Even if it will be difficult, if not impossible to force the Province
of Ontario to listen to accept the results and "turn back the
clock", it is an exercise that is definitely worth the costs and the
effort. It will send a clear message to Councillors about the feelings of
ratepayers. It will enable Councillors to go ahead with the current
agenda, or to develop a strategy which will allow for a "spirit of
regional government" to prevail in their policy-formation and
decision-making.
That is precisely why, as publisher of Valley East Today, I am inviting
you to take part in the following ONLINE REFERENDUM.
