Wards won't wreak havoc in New Brunswick
October 26, 2009
(written in The Home News Tribune)
After reading editorials to your paper, as well as Unite New Brunswick flyers and signs, I am not convinced that the type of government in any city or town, anywhere, has a direct correlation with crime, unemployment, higher taxes and corruption.
I have been unable to find any reasoning behind this twisted logic to explain how the type of government alone contributes to higher crime rates and unemployment. I see adjoining towns that have ward governments that work well, so well that their towns are listed as being in the top 10 places to live in the U.S.
Urban areas may have problems but not only because they have a ward system of government — there are many that have at-large governments that suffer the same difficulties. New Brunswick may not have the highest crime rate but it has its fair share of violent crime. Just last week, a man was found shot in a car and another was shot downtown. Can we blame the at-large government for these shootings? I don't think so.
I am also surprised to see corruption mentioned as a reason not to have wards. I believe that the city has had its share of corruption including John Lynch — remember him? Corruption is rampant in our state and is not dependent on the type of government.
As far as wards tearing our city apart, it would be refreshing to see a difference of opinion within the City Council. It would also be refreshing to have new voices and ideas so that this city can become a better place to live and work.
I don't believe that wards will create roadblocks or divide neighborhoods but instead it will create new people compromising, working together and coming to agreement as to what is best for all of New Brunswick. I also think that is what democracy is all about.
MARGE KERBER
New Brunswick |
