While it was a refreshing change to finally have heard our City government recognize that Abbotsford has a homeless quandary, they now appear to regret this admission. With the serving of notice, the eviction of the homeless camping in “Compassion Park” and subsequent public statements, there is a dishearteningly familiar sound of the old song and dance performed by the City regarding homelessness, poverty and other social issues. Given that they are moving forward with forming a council advisory committee responsible for addressing social concerns and matters such as the homeless, I expect them to fall back upon that old refrain “we cannot act until we get a committee report – no matter that the situation and need is such that procrastination puts lives at risk. This brings two pictures to mind, first the image of a camel – a horse designed by a committee and secondly, the image of Nero fiddling while Rome burns.
Fiddling around twiddling ones thumbs accomplished nothing, except to allow the situation to worsen and grow. There has been more than enough banal lip service and prevarication on these pressing social issues. Provide some leadership or at least be responsible enough to stop stalling, admit to a lack of any notion of how to proceed, listen to ideas and adopt a policy of not raising barriers but to help efforts by others in the community to address and meet portions of the need.
What is really needed here is Leadership. Take note that Leadership does not involve sitting around ignoring reality, hoping for some kind of miracle or waiting to see which way the people want to head then running to get to the front and an appearance of leadership. Leadership involves having a vision, working to build co-operation and consensus regarding what we want to achieve, A willingness to focus on what we can do, on solutions rather than what we cannot do or how large and complex the problem is. Instead of whining about the responsibility of the Federal and Provincial governments or others, you tell them what you are going to do and what you need them to do. Providing direction to get the citizens of Abbotsford involved in generating ideas, plans and actions, then participating in addressing the needs of their less fortunate fellow citizens. Leading a wide open, far ranging discussion in order to give rise to a compelling vision of how and what we want our community to be. Co-operating and working to contribute to the creation of a community wide movement for change. It is time to accept the challenge, to take action and make our City a vibrant community.
