GuelphToday received the following letter to the editor from reader J. Sharpe in response to a letter from John Fisher, president of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club headlined Bridging the gap from Guelph to Goderich a possibility
While a good number of Guelph citizens are preparing to sleep rough or choosing between a roof over their heads and food, John Fisher, the president of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, would like Guelph council to focus on his concern instead. His concern being the completion of an “optimal route” for the biking community along their trail.
Mr. Fisher claims “there is no downside or taxpayer implications”. Taxpayers certainly pay for our councillors' time and who is paying for the “funding and marketing” he wants the City of Guelph to do?
Being a part-time council, it has limited time and it needs to spend it tackling the numerous current uphill battles it faces regarding housing, a drug epidemic, an overflowing hospital, 2024 budget etc.
Mr. Fisher’s request is not only tone deaf but reeks of a privileged point of view.
In prosperous times, this request is viable. However, we are in a crisis.
Let the council focus on priorities and not wants.
If we think more as citizens of this society instead of members of our various classes and clubs, we will all be better for it.
J. Sharpe
