‘If there really are no big concerns and if there really will be 1,000 jobs, show us,’ a candidate for the upcoming municipal election writes
SooToday received the following letter from Ward 5 city council candidate Martin Wyant.
In 2018, voter turnout was low enough that Council approved funds to develop solutions. Four years later, voter turnout actually declined.
While there is no data available to help us understand why turnout dropped after we spent money and time to improve it, it’s fair to assume that a lack of meaningful engagement is part of the problem.
Real engagement is hard work. It’s phone calls, town halls, open houses; it’s answering e-mail messages and returning phone calls, even when the subject matter is difficult; it’s showing that legitimate concerns are heard and addressed before a project proceeds.
When people don’t feel heard, many disengage. And when they are heard, but ignored, trust evaporates.
The proposed AI data centre is an example of how not to gain support for a development. Yes, we want jobs; yes, we want to increase our tax base. But not at any cost.
Consultation takes time and patience. People have concerns and questions. Instead of treating us like you know what’s best for us, show the courage and conviction to attend a town hall with citizens in our community, particularly those in Ward 5 who live close to the proposed development.
The Mayor and all councillors who voted to approve this project without consultation should attend the meeting, along with Claudette McGowan (CEO of Protexxa) and a representative from Missanabie Cree First Nation.
If there really are no big concerns and if there really will be 1,000 jobs, show us.
Martin Wyant
Sault Ste. Marie