The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Elected officials are quick to feel our wrath when they make unpopular decisions, so it's only fair that they be commended when warranted. In recent weeks, Flin Flon City Council has made two key moves that promise to enhance the community's quality of life, if only in relatively small ways. Let's start with the first. After a string of complaints over our contracted garbage collection service, council decided citizens deserve better and announced the city would take over the dirty job August 1. Some might wonder whether this pronouncement was a tad on the tardy side given what seems like a never-ending cycle of problems, from missed blocks to entire days without any service to speak of. But council rightly exhausted every remedy with its current provider, Waste Management Canada, including phone calls of concern and even financial penalties. A company the calibre of Waste Management deserved a chance to right its wrongs. When it was not able to do so, the city appropriately stepped up to the plate. Moreover, this was by no means a cheap move. The city shoveled out $130,000 for its own garbage truck and had to create two new municipal positions. Any decision involving that kind of money must be made with the utmost prudence. The best part of this municipal takeover is not the long-term cost savings that may arise, but the accountability. Now the city has the power to hire and fire people based on the quality of service. I have a feeling things are about to drastically improve. Council's second key decision affects fewer people, but is crucial nonetheless. Just two weeks after hearing stories of the Rotary Park area turning into some kind of late-night party hot spot, a motion carried to join the Rotary Club in installing park lighting. Neighbourhood residents described the area as plagued with noisy drinkers, lewd trespassers and even paintgun-toting vandals. Their base of operations seems to be Rotary Park, and the high rock ridge overlooking the park their favourite hiding spot from law enforcement. Just as roaches scatter when you turn on the lights, it's hoped these inconsiderate youths will now stay home or find more constructive ways to spend their time. Better to tackle this situation sooner rather than later, before it has a chance to worsen (which it inevitably would have). Council should not be afraid to take further steps, including assisting with higher fencing around the park, if the new lighting fails to keep a lid on things. Rotary Park is a downtown treasure that should be cherished by children and families, not abused by fools. Kudos to city council. Local Angle runs Fridays.
