LETTER OF THE DAY - Recall underperforming MPs, councillors

THE EDITOR, Sir:

A recall commission is desperately needed. Its duty would be to monitor the performance of MPs and councillors and to recall them from active duty where necessary.

This commission should have powers similar to the Office of the Contractor General in terms of gathering data, summoning witnesses, and hold hearings. Other relevant agencies could be merged into the commission.

For too long there has been a do-nothing mentality whereby the citizenry sees his or her representative only prior to an election.

In many constituencies, roads become tracks, bridges stand on one leg, and there is the lack of water.

I am not accusing all MPs and councillors of sitting on do-nothing stools.

INSPECTIONS

The commission, staffed with inspectors, would visit the constituencies and inspect the roads, bridges and water situations. A report prepared by the commission would then be sent to the MP and councillor in charge requesting immediate action (funds permitting). Failure to address several concerns would automatically result in the recall of the guilty individual.

Dialogue with constituents reveals that most of them do not know their councillors, mainly because a councillor really does not know exactly what to do. You see, he has no responsibility to file mandatory monthly reports to his local council.

The councillors should have job descriptions. The chancellor of the university, armed with a qualified degree, has a job description. Why shouldn't the councillor? Why should there be a group of persons working without job descriptions?

The do-nothing mentality has been the cause of economic decadence for many years. Reason? Each monthly meeting held by some agencies has no action plan. A group of people merely meet and talk, then get up and walk away until the next meeting. In such a situation, no one commits to do anything. It is do-nothing all the way.

The lack of persons assigned to tasks result in a few dedicated persons performing. And, generally, the more the few do, the more is expected of them, while the do-nothings sit and watch.

One citizen said recently: "I knew ... before he became councillor. He was a successful businessman. So why is he good for nothing now?"

The answer is clear. Once people enter do-nothing arenas, they will inevitably start doing nothing.

Who should initiate the formation of this commission? Certainly not the do-nothings!

Let us give this idea some thought.

RAE WILSON

rae@dr.com

Johns Hall, Clarendon