LTE: We need empathetic leadership now more than ever

Letter to the Editor: It’s unfortunate that local news is blocked in Canada because I’m sure the community would like to know what is happening in their own city. These are just some issues that have been concerning many of the people I’ve spoken to in the past few weeks. 

Rothmar wanted to help this city with affordable housing, while creating a more vibrant downtown, but ran into roadblocks with some of the city’s administration. Now Aaron Bell wants to re-open talks with the city and I believe the city should be accepting this proposal. It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong but it’s in the best interest of the community to avoid a lawsuit (save legal fees) and potentially get the affordable housing we need. 

It feels like there has been little to no public consultation done about the new apartment project on Brookdale and about Massey Place. Seems like plans have already been drawn up before an actual community consultation and risk assessment. John Towndrow is right, by the way. There’s a better way of planning dense housing like what Brookdale Developments Inc. is planning for Brookdale.  

Seems like no one from the city is addressing any of the issues head on, instead relying on their columns in the Seaway News to address concerns. This is not empathetic and proactive listening. Meet with people. It feels like the city has become an ivory tower. 

Happy for all the unions who got the agreements ratified for what they deserve! Seems like a lot of time, money, and energy was spent in denying them what they deserved all along. 

Echo Trends just had a beautiful grand opening in downtown Cornwall and even gave away a trip to Paris. The Mayor did not show up, there was no post done by Choose Cornwall (who just announced the opening of Urban Planet on their website) or Cornwall Tourism. Why is that? 

Finally, I have close friends who have put a lot of unpaid time into doing good for this city, who are tired and feeling burnt out. There are givers and takers in this city, unfortunately it’s the takers who outnumber the givers right now.

Leadership matters.

Kelly Bergeron, Cornwall