Dear editor,
I totally agree with Mr. Drake’s recent letter. I am one of those people he talks about — not represented and ignored by the majority of local politicians.
I also live in Cumberland, and am very dissatisfied with the lack of accountability of the council. It’s been a matter of leadership by who can be the biggest bully, or the most arrogant.
I particularly resent the paternalistic way in which the mayor treats his constituents, particularly those who disagree with him. We have been sold a bill of goods with the whole Trilogy/Cayet debacle.
Not only that but I have been shocked by how we have caved in to senior governments who have forced us to sign on to a ridiculously expensive water and sewage scheme. I mean, who do they think we are? Some bottomless pit of money for their over-the-top plans?
Instead of the millions of dollars that consultants would have us spend, how about investing that in lower-tech, environmentally appropriate solutions? Just imagine how many composting toilets and rainwater catchment systems could be bought with a mere fraction of what’s being proposed.
In the scramble to build a huge pipe that will discharge sewage into the ocean, we have lost a jewel – the highly acclaimed constructed wetland. I can only think that some overpriced consultants are laughing all the way to the bank.
Whatever happened to common sense?
If the Village were forced to be run like a fiscally prudent business, the majority of the present “managers” would be given their pink slips long ago.
One of the few redeeming factors of Cumberland's financial picture is that we really don’t have much money. We still have uneven streets and funky municipal buildings.
Shiny new staff vehicles? Keep the old ones repaired.
Village office too small? Reduce staff numbers so they fit into the present one.
I am sure there are those that would like us to be like the spendthrift other municipalities. My suggestion: you pay for it. Don’t ask me to subsidize you.
I say that we should vote for those that offer both common sense and financial responsibility in the upcoming elections.
Joe Leyton,
Cumberland