“The fact that these little but negatively powerful NIMBY groups continue to pull strings and brainwash the rest of the peasants places NOTL in great peril,” writes Peter Rusin.

“Many, many costly mistakes have been made over the years and folks are getting tired of it! We need leadership that listens to what the citizens are asking for and need,” writes David Scott.

“unless some major tree intervention measures are carried out soon, this historic and legendary representative of the original oak tree will succumb to its demise before the ribbon-cutting  ceremony of this mega hotel development,” writes Buddy Andres.

“It’s town staff that won’t put an engineering stamp on their recommendations. The rely on developer-paid consultant reports with exculpatory language. So, what kind of decision-making is taking place?” writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.

“Cleaning the silt and debris would facilitate the movement of rainwater to the lake would diminish the occurrence of flooding,” writes Robert Bantor.

“Today in NOTL, time is of the essence. We are at an important juncture for our town … Will we (constituents and elected officials) rise up to meet the challenge?” writes Lydia Madonia.

“Thank you for an incredible community Terry Fox Run on Sunday, Sept, 20. Over 300 people came together in hope and determination to carry on Terry’s dream of a world without cancer,” writes Joan King.

“For residents wanting a distinct shift in town governance to protect our community from predatory development, the choice comes down to simple math, not personal politics. A divided house cannot achieve a new direction,” writes Judith Barnes.

“Regardless of differences of opinion over development projects, I recognize that public discourse should be conducted respectfully and without casting aspersions on others,” writes Stewart Hall.

“It is not the responsibility of the bureaucracy to teach a rookie ‘the ropes.’ The bureaucracy is there to answer questions — what questions would a rookie know to ask?” writes Derek Insley.

“I think NOTL citizens should know these answers before we vote,” writes Will Wilson.

“When it comes to policy decisions on planning and bylaws, our lord mayor and councillors cannot resort to using this ill-conceived tool,” writes Bob Bader.

“This October, we are electing more than just some maintenance of the status quo; we are electing a diplomatic shield to protect our town from political erasure,” writes Judith Barnes.

“Pickleball has become an important part of our community’s recreational life. A dedicated indoor facility could support residents of all ages and abilities, provide year-round programming and potentially generate revenue,” writes Ron Pychel.

“I would very much support Mr. Marshall’s call for requirements to build with permeable materials and to enforce lot coverages and setbacks to minimize impermeable surfaces in our town,” writes Christine Earl.

“We must elect a blend of new with a very select minority and seasoned old-guard members, who can impart their knowledge and mentor the new rookie members to grow in their new positions,” writes Samuel Young.

“Mr. Frost stressed that developments were important to the financial health of the town. Our taxes would jump significantly if they were not approved. The implication was this source of revenue was the driving and overwhelming factor to approve developments,” writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.

“The power of ideas and force of personality is needed to break through the stratification and cynicism that can set in among ‘veteran’ politicians returning to office time and time again,” writes George Herman.

“Should council fight every development request, even though the success rate for councils defending their denial is unlikely to succeed?” writes Ron Fritz.

“Throughout the search, I encountered remarkable kindness from people at the restaurant, grocery store, Tourist Information Centre and neighbours we met along the way,” writes Tammy Wiens.

“Believing our town’s character was secure, more than half of the electorate sat out the 2022 municipal election,” writes Judith Barnes. “This drop-off allowed a specific, tightly aligned group of politicians to take complete control of town chambers.”