Keeping seniors safe
We will look at everything differently. COVID-19 will, for many folks, and for a long time, frame the way we live and interact with other humans. When it is over—perhaps before then—we will insist upon the reform of institutions that we hadn’t given much thought to before. Near the top of the list will be […]
Do no harm
Ernie Margetson occasionally drives a Volvo station wagon. Ernie serves as a council member for Hillier and was running errands last week when he noticed a car was following him. He stopped to drop envelopes in a mailbox. The following car quickly turned and pulled up in front of the Volvo, the driver staring at […]
Taxi
Why do we regulate taxicabs in Prince Edward County? Is it to enhance accessibility for those without cars? To improve safety? To keep costs within reach to all residents who need it? It turns out our regulations don’t do a particularly good job on any of these fronts in Prince Edward County. All we seem […]
Remembering Peter
Peter was a builder. Of things. Of family. Of community. He found inspiration and purpose in assembling the capabilities and talents of others to construct buildings, to forge connections and to shape our community. He was a master at inspiring and nurturing those around him to pull together toward a common goal. And to see […]
Delegated authority
How is Shire Hall faring in the time of pandemic? It is likely not the uppermost question on our minds these days. Nevertheless, the business of local government— or at least portions of it—goes on. Pumps still turn. Potholes are filled. Projects managed. Information shared. All of it without much direct oversight. Council members, like […]
Never again
Government matters. It matters who they are and what they do. Rarely, if ever, in our lifetime has this notion been more brilliantly illuminated than this moment right now. It matters that we present a competent collective response to crises such as COVID-19. It matters that we have democratically elected leaders who are base-line competent […]
Interdependent
I’m looking for beauty. For grace. Dignity. Humility. These essential ingredients of cohesive human existence seem to be slipping away from us. Scattered by fear. Temporarily, I pray. There seems no immediate escape from this vortex, however. Certainly not in the news that is necessarily a combination of the grim record keeping that measures the […]
Looking ahead
We should talk about what happens next. Certainly our focus today must be trained upon containing the spread of COVID-19 and caring for those threatened by this virus. We must do all that is in our power to equip and assist the healthcare professionals combatting this pandemic. We must, as well, scramble to manufacture ventilators, […]
Stumble
The old woman started across the street against a tough, cold wind rolling in off the North Channel from the Irish Sea. Partway through the intersection on the Falls Roads her forward advance was abruptly stopped by a sudden powerful gust. Clutching her purse, she stepped backwards, stumbled and toppled onto the pavement. She struggled […]
Restore democracy
More than two weeks have passed since a new case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Hastings-Prince Edward Health Unit region. Good news. This, of course, might yet change. Some folks predict fresh new cases will have arrived with visiting folks on the Victoria Day weekend. (Although, if the horde indeed descended, they largely avoided […]