Best interests in mind?

Col umnist Re : Plann ers aren’t always to blame: I found this article very misleading. People should not have pity for planners as your article mentions. Planner (aka Jerry Jorden) of Melancthon Township is paid very well for his services. It has been suggested that Melancthon could get a full time planner for a few more thousand per year rather then the part time services this planner has to offer. But Melancthon council would not hear of this.

This article states that planners are regulated as to the content of the official plan. They must include designations set forth by the provincial government. This is correct that certain guidelines must be met during the preparation of the townships official plan. The council and planner must have control over other issues within the township?

What they have control over is a mystery to the taxpayer. Council appears to be very evasive in what they can and cannot do. Council chooses not to educate the public on what is within their rights and what is not. Jerry Jorden was asked by a taxpayer of Melancthon in March 2010, if he felt good about the draft official plan he was presenting for approval. He could not grasp the question and after being asked gain, Mayor Fawcett stated this question was unfair to be asked.

At this point it is still unanswered. Planners act on our behalf, drafting up plans based on the vision of council. Don’t feel pity for the planner or the council members.

Is council acting in the best interests of the people who have to live by this plan?

Bart and Nancy Malloy

Melancthon Residents