‘Divisiveness’

Dear Editor:

RE: Enough already, Dec. 12. 

The prestige attached to chairing a committee may be overstated, but some people seem fixated on titles. Publisher Dave Adsett recently suggested that county councillor Diane Ballantyne’s desire to chair the roads committee “made little sense” because she had never served on it before. This argument is not only flawed but reveals a troubling bias.

Firstly, does Adsett truly believe, based on logic, reason or inference, that Ballantyne is merely “hung up on titles”? Such an assertion lacks evidence and feels more like an unwarranted personal attack. Respectfully, Mr. Adsett, your bias is showing.

Secondly, using similar logic, does Adsett argue that a lack of direct experience on a committee disqualifies someone from effectively leading it? Leadership is not solely about prior participation; it is about transferable skills, a fact Ballantyne has demonstrated repeatedly. 

Over the years, she has shown proficiency in communication, adaptability, creativity, dependability, analytical thinking, data literacy, empathy, organization, and teamwork. 

Many of these skills were honed during her career in education and her service in municipal government. These qualities are the very foundation of effective leadership.

The New Oxford Dictionary defines leadership as, “The process of persuasion or example by which an individual (or leadership team) induces a group to pursue objectives held by the leader and his or her followers.” By this measure, Ballantyne is well-equipped to chair the roads committee, bringing a fresh perspective and proven abilities to the role.

I encourage Adsett and others to focus on qualifications and constructive debate rather than speculative assumptions about motivation or capability. Leadership is about relationships and efficacy not favouritism and divisiveness.

Also, the points made in Curt Hammond’s letter (‘Lack of diversity,’ Dec. 12) were exceptionally well-articulated and resonate deeply. Well said and absolutely spot on.

Elizabeth Avery,
Fergus