LETTER: 'This election (in Johnson Township) should not be a popularity contest'

The following letter to the editor was submitted by SooToday reader Jim Carter regarding the upcoming municipal election in Johnson Township.

The purpose of this letter is to a) encourage effective candidates to run in the election, and b) to inform taxpayers of the importance of electing candidates to Council with the ability and interest to work on behalf of taxpayers. This election should not be a popularity contest, but rather an opportunity to encourage and vote for the most effective candidates.

Since the last election, many council meetings have been attended, and Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH) has been consulted on a number of issues. The most important items learned through this process are:

• the significant Power that Council has, including the right to ignore taxpayer concerns. MAH has confirmed the only recourse taxpayers have is at election time. (to date Johnson Township Council has taken no action on the October 2015 Public Survey or the March 2016 Public Meeting)
• that Johnson Township has the highest mil rate in the area and possibly in the province
• the need for Councillors to understand and implement a proper budget process including: setting budget targets for Departments, scheduling of budget meetings to be completed prior to spending the funds, etc.
• the need for Council to provide clear direction to the CAO. This permits the CAO to direct staff efficiently and to provide Council the information they request and need to make decisions.

In summary, this is our opportunity as taxpayers to encourage and promote candidates for Council with the ability and interest to represent taxpayers in a logical manner. Nomination papers for this election are to be completed by July 27, 2018.

Jim Carter
Johnson Township