To the Editor:
I very much appreciated the opportunity to hear the diverse opinions of the candidates for council, mayor and deputy mayor for Owen Sound at the All Candidates meeting last night at the Harmony Centre. It helped me make up my mind about who will best represent us.
However, I did not appreciate the comments made by deputy mayor candidate, Brian O'Leary, when he responded to a question from the audience as to whether city officials who live outside of Owen Sound should be penalized.
O'Leary called out council candidate John Tamming for having a home outside of town. Tamming responded with grace and respect and other candidates all agreed that a person has a right to live wherever they want.
I find O'Leary's comments totally inappropriate, especially in a public forum. Unfortunately, I have experienced other ill-advised comments from councillor O'Leary. When I was making a presentation to the Operations Committee on behalf of the Owen Sound Water Watchers regarding phasing out the sale of plastic water bottles in city facilities, I mentioned I would like to speak further with councillors to understand their concerns. Mr. O'Leary clearly stated "There will be no discussion."
The city's strategic plan mission statement includes "listening to and collaborating with our community."
One of Owen Sound's strategic values is integrity, demonstrated by "continuing to communicate in an honest and informative way with residents will lead to more fruitful two-way conversations."
Another value is caring, being "committed to continue working in a collaborative fashion towards the City's vision of being 'Where You Want To Live.'"
Mr. O'Leary appears to disregard Owen Sound's mission and values. Refusal to discuss issues with the public and attacking a fellow candidate because of where he decides to live and how much he spends on his home demonstrate a disrespectful, uncaring, and uncollaborative attitude that should not be condoned.
It's time this kind of behaviour is called out. And a public apology issued.
Liz Zetlin
Owen Sound
