ElliotLakeToday has received the following letter to the editor from Barry Hunter, an Elliot Laker concerned about council's decision to hire consultants to prop up the Centennial Arena.
Unfortunately, the acting mayor and Council decided at Tuesday's special meeting to hire consultants to design a Bandaid solution.
Their unanimous decision rested on their opinion they couldn't wait for a new build. No discussion around public opinion offered to consider a tax levy or providing outdoor rinks for public and youth programs. No respect for the views of 700+ signatories of the petition to discuss the state of ALL OUR INFRASTRUCTURE before committing hundreds of thousands of dollars of our money on one seasonal structure.
I think council needs to allow the taxpayers to look at our entire infrastructure's status and have a say.
Maybe our council just wants to buy time until their term is up and pass this infrastructure mess on to the next council. In my opinion, tonight's discussion by council fell far short of being satisfactory and lacked valuable input from the community at large. What resulted was a decision made solely by politicians and NO public input.
Mr Calverely made a plea before Tuesday's meeting for council to remember the 700 signatories on the petition. He was told firmly by the mayor they were talking about the arena tonight! End of discussion. I don't think the 700+ signatories of the petition will sit still on this action.
Respectfully submitted to Elliot Lakers.
Barry Hunter,
Elliot Lake
