East Ottawa Star
Published: Friday, February 13, 2009 What matters most to you? Alright Orléans and East Ottawa residents, now it’s your turn. What is the most important issue facing our community? This newspaper (and www.EastOttawa.ca) is your vehicle to not only learn what’s happening around the corner but also engage debate, discuss and decide with your fellow local citizens what kind of community we want to be. So today I will throw out a few dozen questions in the hope that we start an ongoing dialogue about the colour, shape, flavour, size and future of our community. And let’s be frank, given my experience with questions to our local politicians over the past few weeks and their deafening silence, you as a loyal reader have a better track record of responding to me. So what is, or are, the most pressing issues in our own backyard? Is it public safety like local break and enters, teens loitering around Tim’s or the convenience store at night, drugs in our schools, or speeding on residential streets? What do you think? What about economic development? Do we need more government jobs, private sector jobs, or both in our neck of the woods? If so, how do we attract them, land them and sustain them? Or do we need better retail, dining and entertainment choices? For my money, a Chapters, newer multiplex theatre and some higher-end dining would be a great start … does that work for you? Then there is the eternal transit file? Will the split ever be fully fixed? Do you think light rail will ever reach Trim Road? Should council look at more flexible suburban routes in off-peak hours with smaller buses? And are you waiting in anticipation for the 20s and 30s express buses? Or have you sworn off OC Transpo forever? Do you care about the Ketttle Island versus Lower Duck bridge debate? Would you support a toll bridge at the Cumberland-Masson Agners crossing? As for our schools, is overcrowding – such as 30-plus kids – an issue at your child’s school? Does the endless progression of your child through split grade classes drive you nuts? Do you feel your school is teaching your kids what they need to know? Does your school have an active parents’ council that reaches out, engages you and listens to your ideas? Maybe local recreation is your thing. Are there an adequate number of ice pads, soccer pitches, local gyms and/or baseball pitches to meet your needs? Are local bike paths and running trails properly maintained? And now for the fun stuff. Who makes the best take-out/delivery pizza? Who has the best fish and chips in our neighbourhood? What is the best watering hole or pub to have a pint and watch the game? Which local sports league is the best organized? Who offers up the best Friday or Saturday night selection of live bands? Do you have a favourite local columnist? Ok, scrap that last one. I await your answers. = = = = = Comments can be sent to Walter Robinson at orleansouttakes@transcontinental.ca. |