Last week I wondered aloud about the failure of so many to vote in the federal election. If I had waited a few days, and factored in the turnout for the civic elections, I could have had a real rant. This week, I can almost see why so many can’t be bothered.

On Tuesday, HRM council gave thumbs down to the Armour Group’s Waterside Centre. Was it a good decision? I am not an expert on development so I won’t go there. Where I venture is to comment on the decision-making process. Council made a decision, and unless the appeal to the Utilities Board is exercised, that should be the end of it.

But no, suddenly out of nowhere comes Premier Rodney MacDonald, threatening to overturn the decision, saying that “If it does take legislation, I’m prepared to go that far.” Who died and made him God?

For the four or five weeks leading up to the civic vote, I worked as part of a team that was committed to helping our local councilor gain reelection. He is a person who I fully believe represents my best interests at the big table. Our councilors speak for us, not for themselves, at least that’s the way it is supposed to work. And let it be said that each and every person who stood for office deserves a major pat on the back. It is a very courageous act.

Back to the issue. This council in its wisdom said “no”. And, to take a phrase from  Peter Kelly’s play book, what part of that didn’t you understand, Rodney, the “n” or the “o”?

Where is the Premier getting his advice? From a deck of Tarot cards or a Ouija  Board? No thinking person would suggest this kind of wrongheaded intervention.

Darrell Dexter is bang on when he calls the suggested interference “extraordinarily bad public policy” and  “a very dangerous proposal.”

This is a very slippery slope, Mr. Premier.

We, the residents of HRM, elected this council in 2004, as well as the one to be sworn in on November 4, 2008. They were not appointed by the Province of Nova Scotia as puppets to do the bidding of the current government. What they dealt with under the Charter is municipal business, and neither the Premier nor any other member of his cabinet has the right to overturn their decision.

If MacDonald is to be allowed to “cherry pick” Council’s decisions, then maybe we do not need that level of government

When Peter Kelly prevailed over Shelia Fougere, he declared that he is no longer going to be “Mr. Nice Guy.” Little did he realize that in less than a week he would have the opportunity to put his money where his mouth is. He can now demonstrate that new found toughness by standing up to MacDonald

(Al Hollingsworth is a retired journalist and broadcaster