Dear Editor,
If you are starved of something you need for long enough, when you are finally tossed a few crumbs there is a clamour, and you are grateful for the benevolence.
Take the City of Georgetown: for years it was left to deteriorate. Mismanagement, internal conflicts and squabbling between City Hall and central government resulted in many crises over the years. Some areas in the city received only the most basic services from the council and when they did these were sporadic and inefficient at best. Our beautiful city was reduced to nothingness. Her spirit was broken, her clothes were torn and tattered and her citizens were left tired and frustrated.
Now, with a change of government and the relationship with City Hall somewhat amicable, the cleanup campaign has begun. Citizens are excited, and they should be, but dare I suggest that we deserve more. As one member of Team Legacy put it, “we are putting nice clothes on a sick body.”
Beyond cleanup campaigns, we need to transform our city. The job of City Hall extends beyond collecting garbage and cleaning drains. These are the most basic services and should be provided continuously and efficiently.
Local government is also responsible for formulating strategic policies that will guide the community, providing an infrastructural and planning framework that facilitates economic growth in the community; coordinating with agencies like the police to establish Community Policing Groups for better security; and promoting cultural and sporting events, tourism and more. A councillor should consult with residents regularly, to ensure they adequately represent the views of the community at the council level and devise plans for improved service delivery to the residents.
Cleaning is just the beginning. Cleaning is just the tip of the iceberg.
Georgetown needs leaders that will bring fresh ideas and a new approach to fix our forgotten communities.
Yours faithfully,
Michael A Leonard
Candidate for Constituency 9
Lodge/Meadowbrook Gardens
Team Legacy
