Is Democracy in Danger in Montreal West?

Dear Editor:


Montreal West Mayor Campbell Stuart likes to come across as an affable and approachable guy. He also writes on the Montreal West portal that,


“The buck always stops at the mayor’s desk. If you have any concerns, complains [sic] or suggestions, please do not hesitate to voice them to me directly at cstuart@montreal-west.ca. You are also warmly invited to participate in our Council meetings. The more the merrier!"




In reality, Stuart stifles debate at Town Hall meetings. When faced with tough questions, he invents procedural rules to limit the number of people questioning him and/or number of questions that they can ask. He shouts down anybody who tries to oppose him. The pattern is the same at MW public meetings. Nor does Stuart return telephone calls or emails to me or any of my neighbours in Lachine. Similarly, merchants on Westminster Street complain about a lack of communication with the mayor.


At the August 26 Town Hall meeting, Stuart tried to silence me during the question period on the grounds that I do not live in Montreal West. When I then asked him if he still lives in the municipality (Stuart is apparently now listing the Town Hall address as his residence on some court documents), he said “yes,” promised to stick around and give me his personal address after the meeting but then ran out the door to get away.


Democracy is a fragile thing and where political leaders stifle debate, they invariably start making horrendous mistakes which I believe is already the case with Stuart. A good political leader welcomes tough questions and seeks out those with contrary opinions. Going through this exercise, soliciting opinions and actively listening will make a good political leader even better. Unfortunately, the opposite is happening in Montreal West.


Yours truly,
John Symon
Lachine