To the Editor:
It’s an election year, alright - that is correct. I read some time ago now in a Penticton paper that some residents there were preparing for the fall election by making inquiries to their elected officials regarding each council member’s individual accomplishments during this term. Seemed like a sensible idea-to be informed and prepared for an election.
So, I emailed Mayor Bauer here in Keremeos (some months ago now) to get feedback on what he thought his accomplishments have been to date in the current term. Mayor Bauer’s response was clearly that he had no intention of responding to this question.
He also said he would no longer answer any furrther inquiries to him from me. Also, not only was he not prepared to answer my question, he initally seemed reluctant to forward my request for a response to this question to other council members.
A further email from me to Mayor Bauer seemed to change his mind and he indicated that he would forward my request to the other council members. Months have passed and I have had no response from a single council member on this question either nor have any council members responsed in the media.
Mr. Bauer has continually refused to answer questions I have put to him (some of which were asked at the request of my neighbours) and other council members now seem to have taken the same stance.
Makes me wonder. Are they listening? Are they responsive? Not in my experience. Also, I have learned that Mr. Bauer will be attending the UBCM (Union of B.C. Municipalities convention) in Whistler this month. I question the usefullnes in spending $2,600 to have him attend, given the timing prior to an election and the fact that there is no measurable evidence that his participation in the past has resulted in concrete benefits to Keremeos. Further, there has been no written report filed in the past regarding his or any other council member’s attendance at this meeting nor has there been any clear program eminating from participation at this meeting.
I believe it is time for more accountability and more fiscal responsibility on council. P
Please be sure to get out and vote in the forthcoming election.
Gary Johnson, Keremeos