Dear Editor,
My family and I have lived full time in the RM of McKillop for about 3 years now, and prior to that we were seasonal residents for about 5 years. It amazes me how such a beautiful RM, with so much to offer and so much potential, and with amazing people living within it, is continually being taken advantage of and held hostage by a corrupt and self-centred group of RM councillors and Reeve, who are more concerned with lining their pockets, and pushing personal agendas, than actually doing anything positive for the RM or its residents.
The recent concerns by some RM councillors, of recorded meetings is absolutely laughable. If you say and do things right, and you are honest and transparent, there is nothing to be worried about. Simple as that. Or how about the recent debate over the repaving of highway 220 from the 322 intersection to Rowan’s Ravine? What is there to debate? Why would this RM council debate over something that is a benefit to the RM, and will be of next to no expense to the RM itself? Lastly was the letter the RM sent to The Last Mountain Times. Last time I checked there was a thing called Freedom of the Press, not to mention Freedom of Opinion and Expression. If the RM of McKillop Council is so worried about the image that is being published in The LMT, then do better as an RM Council.
I would encourage all RM residents, and especially the RM Councillors and Reeve, to read the “Council Member’s Handbook For Municipalities (March 2020)” (just google it). It clearly states seven key Code of Ethics standards. They are: Honesty, Objectivity, Respect, Transparency and Accountability, Confidentiality, Leadership and Public Interest, and Responsibility. From what I’ve witnessed from this RM council the past 8 years, I’d suggest most councillors lack any of these traits. I’m not saying all the RM councillors are bad, but even the RM councillors that are “ok” are doing their job poorly if they allow other RM councillors to bully and push their wants and personal agendas onto RM Council, and in turn the rate payers of this RM.
I encourage other RM residents who want an honest and transparent RM council to run in the next elections in their Divisions. Divisions 2, 4, and 6 are up for election next year in 2022. I live in Division 2 and will be running for RM Council in 2022. In 2024 Divisions 1,3,5 and Reeve are all up for election. Please don’t let the existing members of this RM Council run as incumbents next time around. The RM of McKillop is a beautiful RM and a wonderful place to live. With an honest, transparent, and well-meaning RM Council things can change for the better in this RM! Hopefully I can help start that change next year!
Sincerely; Scott Taylor, RM of McKillop Resident and Rate Payer
Opinions expressed here are those of the writer and not necessarily those of LMT