OPEN LETTER
Open letter to Mayor Coughlin of the Township of Springwater
Dear Mayor Coughlin,
I have zero desire to wade into political controversy, but as someone who values humanity and feels empathy for others, remaining silent is no longer an option.
I regularly attend council meetings, both online and in person; and have watched with increasing concern as you have made efforts to share information and articulate your position about important issues facing the Township; only to be accused by your peers of not acting in the best interests of Springwater residents and to have your integrity unjustly challenged.
I am a strong believer in the benefit of intelligent, robust debate as part of civil discourse. However, that is not what I have observed at some of our council meetings. The behaviors of some council members have been unprofessional to say the least; but stronger terms such as grandstanding and bullying more accurately reflect some of the conduct that has been on display. As far as I am concerned, there is no justification that gives anyone the right to demean, belittle, or mistreat another human being. What troubles me most is that some of your peers seem to think they are somehow exempt from a basic standard of decency.
Your composure and grace under pressure in the face of these antics is extraordinary and admirable. I know how infuriated I have been after some meetings, and I’m only an observer. I can only imagine the pent-up frustration and anger that you must come away with. While some people might argue that being verbally attacked is part of the risk of holding office, I would argue that this has gone well beyond that.
As a side note to Springwater residents – please educate yourselves on the very important issues facing Springwater Township using factual resources, as there is a significant amount of information floating around that is skewed to a single narrative. Springwater is currently facing some very complex issues, and as much as some would have you believe that it is black and white, I’m sure most people understand that it is far from it.
I have reached out to Mayor Coughlin with questions on several issues during her 10+ years on council and have always found her to be very approachable, knowledgeable, and always willing to spend time with concerned residents. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to her directly. I believe you’ll find the conversation both enlightening and worthwhile. While council has recessed for the summer after the July 2nd meeting, please listen in and be informed when sessions resume in the fall. Regardless of what route we end up travelling, big changes are coming.
In closing Mayor Coughlin, your passion for Springwater has always been evident. Continue to wear your chain of office with pride. It is my hope that the weight of it doesn’t become too heavy to carry. If that day comes, it will be Springwater’s loss.
With deep respect,
Heidi Currie-McElwain
An Open Plea for Rural Safety: Educate Drivers on the Green Flashing Light
Dear Editor
I was going to send this out as an open letter to the Premier and his MPPs but there is no sense in that, as he and his MPPs refuse to respond to important rural issues. Yes, they have been emailed, with no response for over 2 weeks…
Sure, the province might send money for some hospitals and schools but it seems something as simple as using their time, in the media, to explain to those from urban centres that when they see a “GREEN” flashing light, either, coming toward them or in their rear-view mirror, they should pull over.
We all understand the Premier Ford is purportedly trying to balance the economy with the U.S. tariff scares, but 5 minutes could make a huge difference if he’s only take that 5 minutes when giving an interview to express that a “GREEN” flashing light means lives could be on the line.
So why the poke at the Premier and his MPPs. Generally, their majority is because of the rural vote. The rural people have volunteer firefighters and these “GREEN” flashing lights are their way to drop everything, including leaving their work, to get to the fire-hall to go to an emergency. These emergencies can include fires, accidents, flood assistance, etc., and yet when trying to reach the fire-hall they are met with traffic that (i) does not understand what a “GREEN” flashing light is, or (ii) that they should be pulling over to give way to that firefighter so he/she might save lives, if the case warrants that.
As the Premier and his MPPs seem to think the rural people are disposable and consider rural Ontario as lesser than the urban counterparts, some thought it pertinent to inform those on the roads that when you see a “GREEN” flashing light please do your part and pull over.
Lives are on the line and it could be your or your family member’s life…
Elizabeth Marshall