Our issue city-run facilities competing with the private sector has been well documented over the past several years.
We understand that there are arguments on both sides of the topic and we respect opinions that differ from ours.
This letter is not about that.
What is of concern is that, with the exception of Doug Graham and Dave Austin, not once did we hear from Mayor Bev Buckway or other council members at any time.
It’s not that we feel important, but I think this is an issue that does merit discussion and does affect more than one business.
As it is supposedly mayor and council that drives the direction that city management is to take, and each of their platforms includes the willingness to listen to the concerns of the taxpayers, we wonder, “Why the silence?”
Their platforms also supposedly include a keen sensitivity to the city competing with private business. Even if mayor and council perceive our industry as irrelevant, and the issue at hand as unimportant to them, it’s very important to at least four businesses and numerous employees and taxpayers. Important enough to, at least, warrant an understanding of the topic, communicate that understanding and to make decisions from a completely informed position.
Let’s make sure on Election Day we remember elected officials are there for the taxpayers and the community and, as such, should be willing to communicate on issues that concern the private sector and taxpayers directly.
These are our issues and, as taxpayers, we all deserve the respect of our elected officials.
The city should be communicating directly with those affected businesses or individuals, and not just giving lip service to the public.
Jim Oster
Whitehorse