Letter to Editor to Answer a Criticism, From Maree Duffy,
Not Negative, Not Positive, But Realistic.
Sat 5th Feb 2011.GT Maree Duffy states that, ‘Negative Comments are Normal for Ron Owen’ not wishing to be negative about that, but maybe Maree should contemplate that the difference between positive thinking and negative thinking is really “realistic thinking.” For instance would she want her doctor to be really good at realistic thinking or positive thinking? Would she want her Councillors to be realistic thinkers or positive thinkers? During my early life as a soldier and a prison officer I met many evil people, some of the inmates deserved only to be live feed for the lions at the Melbourne Zoo, some of the staff were worse. Some of the inmates had a generous nature, some of the senior staff would make Machiavelli look like an innocent child. Since moving to Gympie, I have met some very good people, positive and negative people. Human being are not good or bad all the time, or all positive ,or all negative.
The same figure can appear positive and appear negative at different times. Clear thinking is the only truth.
Most people need to feel compliant and popular, which is a trap to avoid criticism, it is easier to do what you perceive is popular, as when you do or say what you think is right it is very often unpopular. I try to look at criticism not as a negative but as positive feedback
In an attempt to be compliant and popular most folks fall into the trap of trying to avoid criticism and it’s very easy to be popular if you do what everybody wants, doing what’s right is a lot harder.
In the letter Maree was referring to, was it negative to suggest flood mitigation? Even adding a few metres to Normandy and Pengellies Bridge would join four parts of this town together, then floods except for a few would only be photo opportunities.. Maybe it is negative to suggest that as soon as the floods over, people will forget and do nothing.
I actually agree with Marree on Councillors wagers and moved a motion in Council to stop all councillors wages. The motion was lost. At elections times there is no shortage of people who want the job, I would vote for the volunteer who will do it for free. I can remember a quote from one of the long term Councillors who was re-elected last time, when he was asked what he thought of the new Council. ” Four times the pay, for a quarter of the work”. That’s negative but unfortunately realistic.
I agree with Tony Jakeman, the people want Divisions, I believe it makes Councillors much more accountable. The Councillors will never agree to Divisions, even if we had a referendum they would still oppose them at a vote around the table. Cr Dyne had an election promise to re introduce Divisions. Of course Councillors will not come out directly and simply say they oppose Divisions as it make it easier for the incumbent, profiled Councillors to be re-elected and makes any new opponent have to campaign across a massive region. Our current Councillors seem to believe in the philosophy of ‘Speak’, but say nothing,’ not wanting to offend anyone is the best chance at re-election. Is that negative, yes, but is it realistic? The only positive is when we do something about it.
Ron Owen
24 Mc Mahon Rd, 07 54825070