Corporate behaviour, not democracy

Dear Editor,

I have a great difficulty with the decision not to put ice into the Children’s Arena next winter. I read about the plan in The Oshawa Express. I was on vacation, but I planned on calling politicians to express my displeasure. I did call the members that voted for the cancellation.

One week later, on July 1, I read that the decision had been made by city council, rammed through when nobody was watching. That’s corporate behaviour, not democratic consultation and debate (consulting after the fact is not consulting, but appeasement).

Management and staff recently got a raise, and recommended that services to children be reduced. That, too, is corporate behaviour – give me a raise and I will cut back on services. It’s a good job if you can get it.

Why were consultants hired? If the well-paid managers at city hall can’t do a study of ice usage, which they manage, fire them and get someone who can. Save the consultants’ fees and use the fees to fix the arena.

Ron Dancey