StratfordToday received this letter about the Respectful Workplace Policy from former Perth MPP and ex-Stratford mayor Karen Haslam.
After reading stories of the recent happenings during City Council Meetings and the upcoming call for removing the Respectful Workplace Policy, and now receiving an email asking me to write to council agreeing with what one councillor is doing, I have decided to have my say.
Now is not the time to remove the Respectful Workplace Policy.
The removal would leave city council and the mayor with little or no ability to combat the vicious attacks and ramblings of certain individuals and groups now harassing council members. We elect councillors to act on behalf of us, and our city. They are privy to facts, and engage in educated discussions in order to make informed decisions.
My motto has always been “make the right decision for the right reason,” something I would pass on to certain members of council. Yes, not all decisions will be unanimous within the city, but to abandon the duty to make these decisions without looking over our shoulders to see if we look good, is a derelict of duty. Yes, public input to decisions is appropriate, and there is a myriad of ways this happens, but the hard decisions need to be made without thinking of our re-election opportunities.
The Respectful Workplace Policy has been reviewed, voted on and put in place. It should be adhered to, not removed, because of someone’s inability to act accordingly – especially in a public setting. Decision making should not revert to earlier times when all it took was a few loud, uninformed, individuals looking for the spotlight, to change the rules that govern proper behaviour both within our city and within our council.
If council members cannot abide by our policies, cannot make a decision without looking for approval from the gallery, they should not stand for public office.
Thank goodness we have a strong mayor who doesn't shy from "making the right decision for the right reason."
Karen Haslam
Stratford
