The last Thursday of every month county council is in session. That is the day proposed actions that affect residents’ lives in meaningful ways are decided.
Apart from some visitors or delegates presenting to council, spreading word of what happens those Thursdays lands squarely on reporters.
Sifting through motions to share what may appeal to readers is no easy task, but it is made easier by elected officials and staff who are on hand for follow up questions and further comments. The vast majority of the time, it is a working relationship based on mutual respect. Everyone has a job to do.
While it is often the case that a news organization challenges the political class, there are times when a solid nod is warranted. County council and senior staff earned one this week with the announcement that land will be made available for a community hospice.
The expanded Wellington Place grounds are currently home to the OPP, Wellington Terrace, Aboyne Library branch, the museum and archives, child care and learning centre and the new Groves hospital.
The development of this community campus on the hill wasn’t a case of simple happenstance. As its custodians, the County of Wellington continues to demonstrate leadership with the thoughtful dispensation of public lands and development of public services in keeping with a growing community.
For hospice organizers, this is the beginning of a process to secure funding and put into place a much-needed service for residents requiring palliative care for their final journey in life. Having visited friends and knowing of others who have been part of a passing in such a facility, we know it will benefit families greatly in rural Wellington. Finding peace and kindness during such a distressing time is so important for all involved.
We will try and inform readers inclined to help with this important community project as more news is shared. But for now, this decision stands as a tremendous example of how local government can work to make community needs happen.
Congratulations and thank you.
Maybe you know
Ever been to a coffee shop and witnessed some old-timers talking politics? Or how about watched a younger person knee-deep in a social media feed full of memes and catchy slogans that on the surface look brilliant but are often incomplete?
Across the county, let alone the province and continent, people have points of view. It is through these conversations the public may reach a conclusion or at least an understanding.
Positive outcomes from these interchanges emerge when someone suggests they didn’t think of that point or soften their stance once certain facts emerge.
Dialogue is so critical to a healthy democracy. It may be that awareness that prompted a call to our office last week.
A couple of weeks in a row, our editorial spread shrank to one page. The caller’s query was about that specific difference in weeks, wondering if it was a business choice or if in fact letter submissions had waned.
While we are happy to report it wasn’t a business decision, we sadly confirm it was a slow week or two for letters. Better weather, elections, less contrary issues in previous weeks – the reasons the letters get slow can be seasonal. It was the next part of the call we appreciated.
Without prompting he also suggested we had about the best editorial pages he had run across. That observation is a fact. Looking across this region, let alone the province, the Wellington Advertiser has an opinion section envied by fellow publishers, editors and readers alike.
We know there are plenty of capable people that live in our borders with lots to say. Send a letter today and be part of a real community conversation.
