We aren't supposed to agree on every issue, are we?
Only one real meeting into its term and already the current council has been split on a couple of key issues.
That's bad, right?rnWrong. That's good. Very good, in fact.
Municipal councils are supposed to represent the entire community and how often do we see a community agree unanimously on any issue?rnNot very often, which is why municipal councils that vote the same way on every issue should raise red flags with taxpayers.
That is why the recent debate and split vote by this new council should definitely be seen as a positive, healthy development in our local politics.
Regardless of which side of the debate you happen to be on, the actual debate is just as important as the final decision.
That's because it allows for the airing of different opinions, which definitely better represents the community council is mandated to serve.
At the end of the day, each councillor must vote in the way that he believes is right. But listening to the opinions of the community, and their peers, can help those same councillors make the best decision possible.
In the end, people might not like the final decision, but the open airing of different opinions means that council isn't operating behind closed doors before coming to the public with its mind already decided.
We certainly hope this a sign of things to come.
