Comment 110244

By fmurray (registered) | Posted March 15, 2015 at 00:04:22

There were many painful moments during the meeting last Monday, but the most depressing theme for me was the "I didn't know anything about this plan" comment and the contention that somehow residents are being screwed over in a system beyond their control.

I spoke to a resident on Duke Street a few days before the meeting and she said that many people in her building told her they don't have computers, don't subscribe to the paper, are not members of the DNA and did not vote in the 2014 PB process, but expected to be informed, or asked, about changes on their street.

I have limited sympathy for people who think they don't have to do ANYTHING about being involved and also expect to have their preferences taken into account.

This is not just a problem in the Durand neighbourhood. Many people don't know anything about city, provincial or federal politics.

Just think of what could be accomplished if more people were informed, learned about issues and engaged with elected officials. The system would work better if there were more than a few "activists" paying attention and writing letters, sending emails, or making calls to their reps.

Our democratic system relies on engaged citizens. And not only at those meetings for which they received a printed invitation from their ward councillor.

(And thanks to Jason Farr for holding this meeting.)

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