Editor: Readers of The Times should know that the ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ Reunification Association is alive and well. Our citizens’ petition is doing very well and people are still signing, and anxious to sign.
We have heard from various sources that our efforts are creating quite a buzz in ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦. This was not our intention, but we are pleased that the people of ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ know that reunification of the two municipalities is an issue that needs to be addressed and needs to be studied independently, and in depth.
The directors of the ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ Reunification Association have maintained their non-political approach to the petition, but we are confused by the lack of support and consideration for our efforts by the mayor and council of the City of ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦. The mayor and council of the Township of ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ appear to be open-minded about our efforts in ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦.
Our position from the beginning was to foster a long-term dialogue between two communities that once were one. We are puzzled that anyone in this democratic and progressive land would resist an in-depth study. A study might make a case for reunification, or it might demonstrate that the status quo is the better option for the near future.
The question that then begs to be asked of the City of ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ is: What are you afraid of? Information and knowledge pertinent to this community cannot harm the community, but it could set a foundation for the future of the community and the people who will be leading it.
The ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ Reunification Association believes that the residents of the City of ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ and the Township of ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ have a right to know how they can best be served and at what cost. A joint, comprehensive, independent study would clear the air and answer the questions that have been asked for the past several decades.
Rian Martin, president,
ºÚÂí´ÅÁ¦ Reunification Association