THE SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2026 "SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING" and SUNRAY Part 1

There were a lot of people in attendance, including myself.

I will write a longer post later when I've gathered my thoughts in a succint manner. The 30+ years of writing and researching in law firms (and the recent years studying writing) have taught me to be discerning, and diplomatic when required, but most importantly, factual without being emotional.

But my first point is this: what this meeting has shown clearly is that there are people who want the opportunity to stand at a microphone, and as the saying goes: "Speak truth to power." Truth is a tricky word to use, because quite often it's a replacement for "My point of view is different than yours."

The August 27th, 2026 Town Hall Meeting showed a large group of engaged residents with questions and concerns.

Let's be clear: THE 15 MINUTE MIC SESSION MUST BE RETURNED to the residents - without having to fill in paperwork and check timelines. Surely we are still a small enough Town to get up, introduce ourselves and say "I like this" or "I have a question about this".

It's simple.

As a politician or a barber or a plumber, I don't have to like or agree with everything the "customer" says - but I do have to respect that the customer is paying me a sum of money to cut their hair, or put in a new faucet - or represent the interests of the residents at the Council table.

I may not like what you have to say but that doesn't take away that you as a resident should be able to stand up and make your point of view.

If elected to the Council, this would be an item in my Top 5 Priorities that can quickly be effected.

We can have a hybrid system: those who want to fill in a form, ask for tech support and perhaps have handouts for Council members or Staff but that should not prevent you from standing at a microphone and putting forward your thoughts.

Thanks for listening!