I'm Bernie Slepkov, and live at 213 St. Paul Street

Two things concern me about the report and recommendation before council tonight regarding the establishment of a Character Cities steering committee.

1. The motives of the Character Cities are quite suspect; and
2. Last year this council placed the matter of investigating this model into the hands of the Strategic Plan Ad-Hoc Committee, and now circumvents that process to establish another committee.

1. The motives of the Character Cities, are quite suspect.

If the general public knew of the controversy surrounding the Character Cities Initiative - and its founder, Bill Gothard - there would be strong objections to paying one cent more of taxes towards any further efforts on its behalf. As it is, I think past initiatives undertaken by this city, such as the Mayor's advisory committees on race relations, seniors and accessibility issues accomplish as much as would this questionable model. Our annual Folk Arts Festival promotes and encourages an acceptance for cultural and racial diversity, which this city continues to embrace throughout the holiday season.

If council still believes this 'Character Cities' is the type of thing St. Catharines needs, then show leadership by example. Start by distributing amongst staff and council the 49 character qualities [see below] and apply them to all that you do. One cautionary note, however. I looked through this list of 49 qualities to identify that single characteristic which would most likely bring an end to our graffiti problems or any of the other issues plaguing our community. I can't find it! 'Respect' is not to be found.

Positive character is the result of the teaching and re-enforcement of values. Values change in society. Indeed, what was "acceptable behavior" twenty years ago has changed. For example, the concept of spousal obedience has changed in the social context of our Canadian society. Basic values have deep roots. Some of those roots are strengthened even in today's society by the basic Christian values which are, arguably, the basis of the Canadian legal system. One of the character traits of our modern Canadian society is religious tolerance. Respect of other people's religious beliefs and general respect for the law, are positive character traits. The re-enforcement of those values in individuals is strongly connected to our legal system and the enforcement of our laws and by-laws.

The positive development of this city has and will continue to be led by citizens "with character". We did not need a "Character Cities platform or plan" when these people emerged to help the community, whether it was from a sense of civic pride or duty. Everyone will recognize the positive character traits of individual citizens in St. Catharines. Various peer groups, in various ways, will ostracize from the community those people exhibiting negative character traits. It is when the values of the entire community are moved from positive traits to negative traits that we have to fear. I do not believe we have to fear that we are going in that direction. We also do not need a third party to direct our values.

2. Circumventing the Strategic Plan Ad-Hoc Committee Otherwise known as the Community Vision Committee

Last year this council placed the matter of investigating this 'Character Cities' model into the hands of the Strategic Plan Ad-Hoc Committee. The Community Vision Committee, of which I was a selected member until September 15th, was specifically directed to consider this and other models for their recommendations in formulating a long-term strategic plan for the city. Why is council now circumventing that committee and process, and call for the establishment of a new committee even before the CVC's findings are brought before council?

[ Opposing a Character Cities Steering Committee ~ Continued below ]