The Paris Independent
10
February 3, 2024
EDITORIAL Delegates present compelling cases to support New Main Branch Library project during special council meeting Dear Editor,
the council meeting, and those councillors who were not in Paris I would like to share my joined remotely (one – sorry don’t experience of learning about and know which one – was in attending a special council meeting Disneyland with his family). on the proposed New Library and Bawcutt Centre Project. This issue Seven excellent delegations gave is near and dear to my heart as one presentations (six against the who is passionate about learning, Motion to Reconsider and one in books, community spaces and favour) on the history of the inclusion for all. process, the history of the building, the library, the donation from the I was shocked to learn on Bawcutt family, etc. It was Wednesday evening (Jan 31) that wonderful to hear the presentations there was a meeting to vote on a – my favourite were made by Dr. motion to reconsider a decision of Kate Carter, the Bawcutt Centre council approving moving ahead Advisory Committee, Barbara on the project, to be held Thursday Graham, representing the Bawcutt (Feb 1) at 3pm. Despite the short family and Library Board Chair notice and inconvenient time, and Member, Fred Gladding and approximately 50 citizens joined Marilyn Sewell. They were
conciliatory but firm and very well informed. When put to a vote (the motion made by Councillor Bell), I was delighted to know that 80% was required to overturn the previous decision. In fact, the Councillors voted 6 to 5 against the Motion. So, yes, the library / Bawcutt Centre project is advancing. I couldn’t help noticing the lack of The Norfolk diversity on the council – mainly white males – so another to work on. Diversity in gender, ethnicity and background are needed as our community moves forward in the 21st century!
Linda Jones, Paris, Ontario
Taxpayers should be extremely uncomfortable with a process that allows an elected official to trigger a new vote on a motion they previously lost To The Editor:
modern, accessible main library seriously my obligations as a branch that is owned and operated Councillor to maintain the financial As a resident of the County of by the people of Brant County. I integrity of the municipality and Brant, I found myself deeply also recognize the historical work in the best interests of all concerned this week about the importance of the Bawcutt Centre County residents, especially the tax motion to reconsider the New Main and want to see it preserved for payers,” (January 31, 2024). Branch Library project put forward community use. by Ward 3 Councillor John Bell. Councillor Bell took to Facebook Like many County residents, I have to explain the rationale behind his Continued on page 11 long recognized the dire need for a motion, stating, “I am taking
