The small victories

Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on March 14th, 2011.


I have to admit, the tone from some citizens lately who disagree with Government in some areas of legislation has been at times more than a bit over the top. Foul language, four letters words and insults are how some citizens choose to articulate their views on a particular policy or direction of government. It is understandable that at times citizens will agree to disagree in any healthy democratic society.   However it would seem some citizens have completely lost perspective that there are other citizens who disagree and actually do support or oppose a differing point of view. Yet it seems to some that they believe Government should cater to only a singular point of view, often their own and more so if that view is expressed with profanity or foul language. I make a point of reading each and every email that comes across my inbox and try to respond to as many emails as my time permits.  I have also noted that some emails, particularly those from anonymous senders can be downright nasty. In time I suspect I will become more used to these things but at the moment it seems unfortunate of the tone and attacks that appear on a regular basis.

Yesterday, I received one of those very few emails that changed all of that. Recently my office has been working on a situation that arose unexpectedly in Merritt. While I cannot disclose personal information, suffice to say the long arm of Government impacted the life of someone in a way, that left unchecked, would be forever changed, and not for the better. A unilateral decision would in turn impact others and also adversely. Fortunately many of the good people of Merritt spoke out, and they did so positively and passionately. Elected officials came together and collectively we worked towards making a change that would result in a positive outcome. In other words, we did what the people who elected us expect us to do. That is to say, we did our jobs. And as of last night, we came through and although it was a small victory in the grand scheme of Government it was an important one that will make a positive difference in the lives of a group of citizens. Yesterday was a very rewarding day and one that serves us a reminder of the importance of public office and the work that we do on behalf of the citizens we represent.