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The humiliation of Steve Ferguson
A sad and shame-filled way to leave the stage. Whatever legacy Steve Ferguson left after 12 years on County council, eight as mayor, he has, in one astonishingly thoughtless act, burned it to the ground and tossed the remnants onto a fetid, smoking pile. The fallout is likely to do the same to his friends and allies. And to the County of Prince Edward?
And for what? Or more precisely, for whom?
We have a few clues. According to his partner in disgrace, Councillor John Hirsch, the mayor had “no choice but to respect what the province demands”. Hirsch was quoted in the Picton Gazette over the weekend. He says strong mayors were created “to counter a dysfunctional, recalcitrant council that can’t get their act together to enact provincial priorities.”
Dear reader, allow these ideas to marinate for a moment. Ferguson and Hirsch are torching the very institution they were elected to represent. They are trashing council as dysfunctional— even as they continue to serve on it.
Both were elected by County residents. They have now become Doug Ford’s puppets. Enacting provincial priorities and demands. It matters not what County residents want or need—their mandate comes from Doug Ford’s office. It is a vile perversion of the office of mayor
In the era of Donald Trump, it is quaint to think democracy still matters to politicians. That values of local governance—local decision-making— still mean something to these folks. We Canadians like to think we are above sliding into autocracy—but when the head of council chooses to overturn a properly constituted council decision to please his provincial overlords, we can no longer rely on a functioning local government.
Did Steve Ferguson not see this as an outcome?
Here is what else he didn’t see. Mayor Ferguson’s intention to invoke strong mayor powers is now the election issue. Over the next 45 days, every candidate will be asked to state their position on this choice. Over and over again.
The five council members who joined with Ferguson in dissent from the majority opinion have been put in the terrible position of having to defend, or not, the mayor’s intention to veto the council decision. It was one thing to support the policy proposal on the table; it is quite another to join Mayor Ferguson in rejecting democratic decision-making. Do they agree that their job is to serve provincial masters?
If the five council members fail to join the majority needed to override the strong-mayor veto, voters will rightly ask who they intend to represent next term: Doug Ford or County residents.
MPP Tyler Allsopp, too, will face questions about his role in Mayor Ferguson’s decision. Before Todd Smith’s tenure and redistricting, this riding was a genuine swing riding. Robbing County residents of democratic governance is bound to leave a mark that will be felt in the next election. Before Todd Smith, this provincial riding was considered a swing seat—with Prince Edward County the most volatile part.
So the question remains: for whom did Mayor Ferguson pull this trigger?
Whatever else it is, it is a terribly sad day for a mayor now on his way out. A year ago Ferguson said he could see no reason to use the powers vested in him by the province. His preference was “to work in a collaborative fashion with council.” His words.
He joined with all 13 of his council colleagues in asking the province to rescind strong mayor powers.
That was then. With just days left in his final term, he concluded that collaboration, coercion and arguments were insufficient. That provincial priorities took precedence over local decision-making.
Steve Ferguson leaves behind a foul stench that will forever tarnish his time in Prince Edward County.
“leaves behind a foul stench” Yes there is a foul stench in the County but it eminates from the Times.
I am truly stunned at how bad this article is. This is a new low. It’s a pure and simple hit piece that accomplishes nothing in the least bit constructive.
It’s way beyond time that the Times turns itself around and commits itself to constructive journalism. Until then it will be irrelevant.
This article is shameful ! To present such biased commentary to the Public in the middle of a Municipal election is so wrong. Paper Owner sits on Council but hides behind his former employer commentary in order to push an agenda. So wrong.
Our Mayor deserves far better after 8 years hard work than being unfairlly ridiculed by Rick to promote Councilor Englesdorfer’s rag! Steve Ferguson has represented this Couunty well. So wrong to malign our Mayor on his way out.
Mayor Ferguson was instrumental in the announcement today of Prince Edward County receiving $27,000,000 Federal Funding for a Children’s medical camp in the County. That is a great accomplishment by our Mayor. Not fair for a paper to condemn a man on his way out! Give some positive recognition! Thank you.
Well the Owner of Wellington Times also sits on Council. This article by Rick could also have been written in a full 360 if chosen if it could sell paper advertising. It could have celebrated a Mayor with the courage and fortitude to protect the residents of the County. Just saying! Careful what you read!