Dear Editor:
In the most recent issue of the Yorkton This Week, the “my two bits” column dealt with the decision to hold City Council meetings every three weeks rather than follow the long-standing two week schedule. The column’s author wrote about many interesting points, and I have had similar discussions with other individuals a few times since that decision was made. As a result, I am writing to share my personal perspective with the readers of this newspaper.
When I voted to change the meeting schedule, I did so in order to have more meetings in total. How would a decrease in Council meetings actually result in an increase in meetings?
Well, in addition to our televised Council meetings that are open to the public, we also have strategic planning meetings, during which all five of us newly elected officials get to learn the ropes in regards to such crucial components as taxation, property assessment, and the function of the various city departments. I have found these meetings to be extremely beneficial, as my political career is still very young, and I have much to learn. Because so many of us are new, we ask many questions and seek clarification on almost every topic during these sessions. As a result, our most recent meeting on February 13th began at 5:00, and ran for over six hours. I can honestly tell Yorkton’s voters that I chose to increase my workload, as these planning sessions have grown in number to take the place of the decrease in Council meetings. (Thank you Mayor Maloney and Councillor Goulden for your guidance and insight as the rest of us learn the ropes!)
During my campaign, I promised to represent Yorkton’s families. In order to do that to the best of my ability, I need to learn as much as I possibly can, as quickly as I can. The increase in planning meetings gives me the insight and background knowledge that I require in order to make the important decisions at our regular Council meetings. Let me assure the citizens of Yorkton that my workload has not decreased.
Quinn Haider
Yorkton, Sask.
