THE EDITOR, Sir:

I write to register my dismay with my senior colleagues on the opposition benches of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC). Young councillor Duane Smith, in need of guidance and instruction, has clearly been neglected.

A grouping of 40 municipal leaders, each with their own ideas about how the KSAC will be going forward, requires calibration. This was recognised by the current mayor's predecessor, Desmond McKenzie, when he organised a similar work retreat in 2008.

It is difficult to do the focused visioning required for the retreat to be successful while remaining in the work environment. Senior staff and policymakers away from the regular grind and interruptions from minor emergencies and incessant cellphone calls will sit and formulate the strategy for the way forward.

Any councillor who would leave his constituents unrepresented in a process so fundamental to the future prospects of development must be misguided.

I sincerely hope Duane Smith will show the class, humility and sound judgement that have always been the hallmarks of his father, Derrick Smith.

In parting, I would say to young Smith that I suspect that his letters in respect of the clean-up required after the storm may have joined many I have written in the past to previous mayors in File 13.

Hone your skills as pleasant, persistent and rational negotiator on behalf of your constituents and you will reap success as a councillor. Do otherwise and settle in for an unnecessarily bumpy ride.

KEVIN Y. TAYLOR

Councillor, Duhaney Park

kytaylor@hotmail.com