OPINION: Sour grapes on council?

In my opinion, I believe Mike Duffy would like to be mayor or at least deputy mayor of Charlottetown

Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown’s first regular public monthly meeting Monday night was, at times, heated. He didn’t see eye to eye with some members of council on process that saw council pick its advisory committee that will determine makeup of standing committees. - Dave Stewart

BY RON JENKINS

GUEST OPINION

I congratulate Philip Brown, the new mayor of Charlottetown, and Jason Coady, the new deputy mayor for the city, and all the council sworn in last Thursday.

Politics can be most challenging at any time, but when you do not honour your leader and show the leader respect, then politics and leading becomes more challenging.

The people have spoken by majority vote that they want Phillip Brown as their new mayor and the council should acknowledge the fact that Mr. Brown is mayor and the council leader.

In my opinion, I believe Mike Duffy would like to be mayor or at least deputy mayor but he didn't run for mayor and was not made deputy mayor so it must be hard for Mr. Duffy to take a back seat to new blood after so many years of power. I wonder if this is the problem in city council because Mike is well liked and the old council support him and sour grapes are involved?

I believe Mr. Brown is a leader of leaders and wishes only the best for the city and all council members. Setting up road blocks for Philip will only harm the workings of city council the unity and peace.

Coun. Bob Doiron seems to have it all together, even after a former council member ran against him. Bob, by supporting the new mayor, you’re A-OK in my books. I have heard very great comments about Mr. Coady and he will do the deputy mayor's job justice.

I believe there are many flaws in City Hall but probably no worse than any other establishment. I believe Mayor Brown can make positive changes if council will cut him some slack and let him do his job and not nitpick.

CAO Peter Kelly knows all about interpretation of the rules and legal issues but council does not always get it right. Then again is justice really blind?

You may wonder why I wrote about city council and then again, not. I was involved in church politics on more than one occasion and believe me, they are much worse. Leaders are to rule in fear of God and justice really is blind. I really want justice for Mayor Brown and may he have a long, productive term in office.

- Ron Jenkins of Charlottetown is a former bylaw enforcement officer with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires