There’s no question that in a democracy, citizens have the ability to question their elected officials.
If there is a concern about how the Regional District of North Okanagan collects funds from member jurisdictions to pay for governance costs, then that’s fair game. Residents should know if they are possibly subsidizing other jurisdictions at the table.
However, there is a right way and a wrong way to pursue these matters.
The most ideal scenario is to contact your elected official and explain your concerns and ask for the information. By talking to them, a relationship can be formed and both sides can hopefully better understand where the other is coming from.
The worst way to question your elected officials is sending an e-mail to RDNO that has no name attached, only a gmail address. Figures about directors’ pay are provided but the source of the data is not indicated, and the numbers appear to be inaccurate.
The subject of the e-mail is accountability and obviously RDNO must be held accountable when it comes to spending tax dollars. But accountability is a two-way street. There is also an onus on citizens to be upfront and transparent, and not hide behind anonymous correspondence. If you feel strongly about an issue, put your name to it. Stand up and be counted.
Thousands of Canadian soldiers died for our basic rights, including free speech and holding authorities to account. Show some respect.