By Letter to the Editor on May 15, 2021.
Editor: I have been a resident of Lethbridge since 2000. Just wanted to voice my concern aboutc ouncilman Joe Mauro and his continued absenteeism.
His track record for missing meetings is concerning, but yesterday’s walkout was especially disheartening to say the least.
Views aside, I don’t think someone should get paid if they don’t show up for work at taxpayers’ expense.
The public deserves the person elected to at least attend mandatory meetings.
In his absence he represents no one as his representative vote is what people elect him for.
If he doesn’t show up for work he shouldn’t get paid, much like any other profession in our community.
Is there a way to keep this man from collecting taxpayers’ money if he doesn’t show up for work?
I find this type of political theatre absolutely disgusting and embarrassing.
Please put a stop to his continuing unprofessionalism – this serves no one. Thank you to all council members who continue to show up for work and city workers who work hard doing the difficult tasks and leading our community.
Alexis Bialobzyski
Lethbridge
i have been a resident since 1961 and was happy to have joe on council. he was the sane voice not bowing to the kabal lead by spearman and miyashiro. the counil would be better off without those two
I have been a resident since the 1930s and Joe Mauro is anything but sane. Also you need to check your spelling more often.
If you disagree with Joe, is only your opinion. Since I met him for the first time he has shown me and to the Lethbridge residents, that he is the only council member who is with the people, and rise his voice for us. Do you think that by deducting a day to him, the financial city problems will be solved? What is the point to warm the chair when the rest of members, specially Miyashiro and Spearman, have decided everything before the meeting.? When Miyashiro was elected, I personally was expecting a different attitude, given that he was at Seniors Center, but I am disappointed. I Know that I am only another insignificant senior, but this is my opinion.
When you have 6 people that believe that the taxpayer is the “fountain of cash” and 3 that believe restraint is needed, I do not blame any of the 3 for getting up and walking out. To object and not to “be seen to object” is not as good as just walking out. A notation in a “minute” no longer cuts the mustard! Walking out makes your point far more clearly then letting it “appear” council passed everything and anything and your position was not recorded as LOUDLY opposed!! Try to remember who opposed SCS? Was their opposition? Bet you remember at least one meeting where a councillor was so opposed he walked out! The rest of the meetings just disappear!
The mere fact we are discussing it shows that Mauro made a point, and a good one, at that! Well done Mr Mauro