Lakeshore resident wants his Councillor to tell him what the fuss with the Mayor is all about

By Staff

April 9^th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Some Councillors are very focused on how they relate to their constituents.

Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns was one of the first to go online to meet with her community during the pandemic.  She understood the technology and knew how to use it effectively.

Lisa Kearns: At times wickedly funny

She also learned how to be relaxed and authentic and at times wickedly funny.

For a bunch of reasons she has put her meet the community event on hold.

A vocal resident said he thought the fight with the Mayor over strong mayor powers would be something that would call for a meeting with constituents so that we could hear what the fuss is all about and hear our counsellor’s thoughts and position.

He adds: “Please bear in mind that’s 50% of the purpose of, and time at the update meetings was to hear her constituents’ concerns and respond to their questions. By pausing or eliminating the update meetings, those who do attend are being disenfranchised. The update meetings are just as important whether just one or one hundred people attend. It’s vital that constituents have direct access to the counsellor in a public forum.

“As I understand it, the fight with the mayor by the six councillors is being pitched as a question about democracy being down-trodden. The update meetings represent democracy in its basic grassroots form where a constituent can have direct access with his or her representative in a public forum. The public forum aspect allows constituents to hear the concerns of other constituents and the responses of their representative.

“Our immediate past & present MPPs have been heavily criticized for hiding from their constituents (on Ford’s orders). That is not good for democracy.

“In addition to the fight with the mayor, there are other more mundane questions that crop up. Here are a few issues that in my view need addressing with residents.”

*  Why do the markings at our crosswalks, not only the rainbow crosswalks but all crosswalks, disappear so quickly and need it would seem frequent refurbishment?”.  Crosswalks in other countries like in the UK do not seem to suffer the same problems. It would seem to be a contractor &/or materials issue.

*  On the subject of crosswalks, why has it taken over 2 years to install a crosswalk at the location where the Centennial Pathway crosses Guelph Line? The pedestrian traffic island gives all the impression of a crosswalk and a pedestrian right of way. But that is not the case. It is not a crosswalk. It is not a pedestrian right away. Vehicles rarely stop to allow pedestrians cyclists and others to cross there. The incorrect appearance and the difficulty for pedestrians and others to cross makes it a very dangerous spot. I suggest both Counsellor Kearns and Counsellor Stolte get on staff’s case to get the approved crosswalk installed ASAP.

Food Truck Festival was very well attended.

* I believe residents would like to hear from Councilor Kearns as to what ideas or suggestions she might have to address & mitigate the traffic congestion along Lakeshore Road between Brant Street and Guelph Line? What powers does City Council have in this regard to maybe divert traffic, close off the road, either temporarily or permanently?

*  What steps are being taken to fix the very rough pot holed road surface on Guelph Line between Lakeshore Road and New Street?

* Why did Council bow to pressure brought by the vocal minority, being the downtown business association, to disallow the Food Truck Festival access to Spencer Smith Park? The Food Truck Festival was obviously popular with both residents and visitors.

I’m sure other residents have many other questions &/or concerns that deserve to be heard and shared broadly.

I urge Counsellor Kearns to reinstate the update meetings and allow democracy to reign.