Cramahe Now reader unhappy with Township officials

The letter written below expresses the concern of Lakeport resident, Tom Philp over the staging of the Colborne 150th celebration:

I've been waiting for you, as an intrepid reporter, to chastise Cramahe Council for its lack of direct involvement in Colborne's 150th Anniversary.

As a person who grew up in Colborne, spending his first 18 years there, I can tell you categorically that the Council-of-the-day in 1959, when the village celebrated its centennial, did a lot more than this group of bozos. And 50 years later, it's volunteers who are putting together next weekend's activities.

I've checked with more than two dozen residents of both Colborne and the surrounding township. Not one of them has received a mail out ... or inclusion in a tax notice ... inviting them, as residents, to celebrate the sesquicentennial. The only material I've seen, other than an online poster on your Web site and the minor bit of advertising Cramahe's authorized in local rags, is the bookmark outlining pathetically few events for next weekend.

What in God's name is Rebecca Goddard-Sarria doing to earn her big salary as Tourism/Development/Communications person for the municipality? Has she ever had an original idea? The advertising on those recycling bins is certainly going gung ho, no?

There is a late morning dedication of the new gazebo planned ... very hush hush so far on the name of it, although I recommended it be called the "Jane and John Boreham Memorial Gazebo" some time ago ... but absolutely nothing in the town's central park to help carry on the spirit of celebration. Once again, this council of do-nothings is not planning to set up bbqs and hand out free hot dogs and hamburgers to residents as its contribution to the day. No, the council will piggy back on the Legion's bbq, rather than investing a nickel in celebrating 150 years with people who will already be gathered in one location.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Not a shred of evidence that these people ... with the possible exception of Pat Westrope ... actually understand their roles as leaders of this significant milestone. What would it cost? $500 in burgers, dogs and drinks? Cheap, and totally unaware.. And Mayor Marc Coombs is chief among them.

And in all of this, Bob, I'm surprised that you have not taken them to task for their lack of action. You did a great job profiling the Colborne Farmer's Market problem and subsequent resolution; you've reported that Gary Warner has arranged an extra concert for people on the Labour Day weekend; you even reported that pittance of $8,600 that Norlock brought to the party; but nothing ... not a word about this council's failure to celebrate Canada Day appropriately, or its even worse position of not helping people celebrate the village's 150th anniversary in style.

Even at this late hour, perhaps you could ask them WHY they've decided to ignore their citizens. It's shameful behaviour on council's part; but not in the least bit surprising.

Thanks for your time.

Tom Philp