Dear Editor,

Transparency in government: often promised, seldom delivered. Some folks are agitating to have public plenary sessions of the MRC council. My feeling is you would be disillusioned more than informed upon seeing what’s behind the curtain. Having sat at such sessions as pro-mayor of Thorne, I can say that they are mind- and butt-numbing one-way talkathons, with so many agenda items, featuring so many dollars, that I doubt anybody can really keep track or form an intelligent opinion on all of them. The only way that open plenaries would be fair to the mayors would be if all attendees would sit quietly and listen for the whole session, which can be from 9 am to 3 pm. Are you really that interested in the workings of the MRC government?

There are things about that body that warrant more scrutiny than they currently receive. I think the tendency to blow up any idea to the point where it’s unworkable and overpriced is the main obstacle between taxpayers and good government. Who pays for overpriced government? You do.

Here’s an example: a group presents a plan to create a solar electric ‘farm’. This will be, by necessity, a large operation connected to the big power grid. But a more direct way of improving life for Pontiac residents would be to encourage household solar panel installations. Why is that? Because, when the power goes down or out, it’s usually because of transmission lines being inadequate or damaged, not because of a lack of electrical power on the grid. So, when an ice storm takes down the power lines, each solar-powered home could still have juice to maintain lights and charge internet devices. Then one could at least stay in communication with the outside world to know if relief is on the way. It would take a lot of solar panels to run freezers, heat the house or charge electric vehicles, but just a few panels to maintain immediate essentials. It would be ironic if you were to buy an electric vehicle then use a gas-powered generator to charge it.

This discussion did not take place at the council of mayors. They only heard about the plans for a large solar farm. If one had been at that session and attempted to interject a different approach, it would go unheeded. Solar power farm = big project; subsidized individual solar power = not enough dollar signs to warrant interest. So, the things one could do with money to make life better are best done on your own, and ask permission later. Don’t waste your time expecting MRC to adopt a small plan that might work. It’s like trying to flag down a freight train by waving a bandana. Stay off the tracks, lest you get run over.

Robert Wills, Shawville and Thorne