I can’t hear you, if you don’t speak to me.

I attended the St. Davids Ratepayers AGM yesterday and appreciated the opportunity to listen and engage. As always, the group brought forward important issues and demonstrated a genuine interest in community solutions. I’ve attended several meetings over the years, and their commitment to advocacy and dialogue is something I respect.

That said, I’d like to address a growing trend I observed—not just at this meeting, but in broader community discussions. At the start of the presentation, the new NOTL Residents Association emphasized being non-political and speaking with a unified voice. However, that message shifted during the meeting, with pointed criticism of council and a countdown to the next election. That’s not neutrality; that’s political positioning.

I also want to clarify some of the statements made. The closure of the Old Town hospital and local school were decisions made by Niagara Health and the DSBN—not by this council. Spreading misinformation about council’s involvement in these decisions only creates division and distracts from real issues that we can address together.

What’s especially frustrating is hearing repeated claims that “this council doesn’t listen.” I take that very seriously. The truth is: I do listen. Every day. I listen to delegations at council. I respond to emails. I return phone calls. I meet residents for coffee. I work with respect, even when opinions differ.

But listening is a two-way street. Many of the individuals claiming they’re not being heard are the same ones who have never reached out—not once—to have a conversation. Some have known me for years. They have my phone number and email, and I’ve been approachable from day one. Yet rather than engage directly, they choose to stand back and criticize from a distance.

Not every resident is part of a group or vocal on social media, but all voices matter equally. I will continue to listen—to those who speak up, those who reach out quietly, and even to those who haven’t yet found their voice.

We can have disagreements, and we won’t always see eye-to-eye. But I ask for fairness and honesty in the dialogue. If you want to be heard, I’m here. If you want to help build solutions, I’m listening.