MidlandToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. The following letter is in response to a story regarding changes to the township's procedural bylaws published March 2.
I am writing to express my concern on the loss of freedom of speech and democracy in Tiny Township. The recent changes to the procedural bylaws by removing 30-minute deputations have already had a direct impact Tiny Residents not being heard at Council meetings. It is alarming that these changes have threatened the very foundation of our democratic values.
Residents are coming forward, only to be told that they cannot speak on a deputation until several weeks later. The Mayor was given the power to have more deputations on the agenda but has not done so.
It is imperative that we, the residents, reaffirm our commitment to upholding the freedom of speech and defending our democratic values. This requires a collective effort to protect the rights of all individuals to express themselves freely, even if their views may be unpopular or controversial.
As taxpayers, we must hold our Council accountable for safeguarding these essential freedoms. We must also strive to create a culture of respect, tolerance, and open dialogue, where diverse opinions are welcomed and valued.
We need to all of us to work together to ensure that Tiny Township still is a place, where every voice has a right to be heard.
Janet Marks
Tiny Township
