To the Editor:
I would like to take a moment to express my concern for the people of Thompson regarding the lack of leadership they are receiving on their tax dollars. I have come to believe through experience in interacting with the elected and appointed leadership of the community that what is coming by way of economic hardship through Vale cutbacks is not only over the heads of those in charge but also not enough of a priority.
As leaders save their own financial ruin and serve themselves through policies that benefit the one per cent and run to their cottages at the lake while raking in big paycheques at the expense of the taxpayers, I ask the citizens of Thompson to put some thought into what their community needs in this time of hardship and hammer the hell out of the municipality to get it done.
As the housing market crashes, layoffs are occurring, crime rates in domestic violence, vandalism and assault and occurrences of drug and alcohol abuse are on the rise and the children of our community are put in harm’s way. If these instances are not yet in your face, wait for it, it’s coming. Ask yourselves if you think the people at City Hall deeply care about the social issues that were once believed to only be the problems of the marginalized. Do you think they have resource plans in place when the chaos starts to unravel? They have known for years about these upcoming changes. There were plans in place that fell by the wayside as leaders continue to line their coffers and neglect those in need.
I am sad for my community. I am asking these questions. The people of Thompson must put some energy into this as the impact has begun. You see it in the children and their behaviour, suicide rates, crime rates and use of controlled and illegal substances.
Thompson you are in my prayers. Much love.
Michelle Smook
Anjou, Quebec
