Bring in the RCMP already

Council passed a motion Monday to explore possible options for policing in Haldimand County, but what about the RCMP? Forget the OPP and Hamilton police. We want Mounties and horses and fancy hats here in Haldimand. For months we've been reading articles in which the mayor has been quoted as saying the RCMP would be an option for Haldimand. However Monday's motion approved by county council said nothing of the sort.

As many people already realize, the whole police review process thus far (which hasn't been much of a process) has been driven by politics and posturing since the last municipal election. Not only by the mayor, but councilors as well. Some of these councilors now seem poised to start playing the vote game too, perhaps only while such a public relations effort isn't impacting rational decision making. But you wonder when someone is finally going to pipe up and call the whole process what it really is – a colossal waste of time and a soapbox for politicians who choose to use it as one. Unfortunately, no such bravery has been witnessed around the council table.

There are two main points everyone needs to realize. First of all, native issues in Caledonia are completely separate from normal OPP operations – something the majority of councilors don't have a problem with. Second, it's very unlikely that starting up a new replacement police force will be cheaper than the one already in place, or any different in terms of policy.

Councillors such as Craig Grice would have you believe that the OPP reputation has suffered irreparable damage across Haldimand County. Like it or not, that's his opinion. But at least it is an opinion. Others say that the OPP are doing a good job when it comes to day-to-day policing duties. They haven't received many complaints, but are continuing to leave options open anyway.

The reality is, few constituents have turned out to meetings regarding the police review. Yet the issue has dragged on for months. Any why? Because no one is willing to make a decision. They'd rather sit on the fence instead of calling it like it is and getting on with business.

While money could trump all reasoning in the end, the ultimate decision for councilors right now is whether or not to pursue removal of the OPP. They should be asking themselves whether or not the OPP should be replaced, not whether or not another force is interested in servicing them. In the end, it might not be possible to change if costs are sky high, however councilors should first be asking themselves whether or not a change is needed, and what price they'd be willing to pay. Awaiting some inconclusive reply from a couple of hand-picked detachments to the north and east sides of the municipality is just an out, because it's unlikely that either one will respond, at least affirmatively. In a couple of months councilors will be back at the table, debating the same thing again.

In last week's report presented to council, one of the options suggested the county could develop its own municipal force – something that along with the RCMP wasn't incorporated into Monday's motion. Wonder why? The unanimous vote to move forward with the 'inquiry' was misleading, because some councilors aren't interested in letting this thing continue past the point of a token glance – a glance that could be quickly turned back when no new options come forward later this year.

Other than Grice – who is the only councilor to voice his undying penchant to remove the OPP – Trainer and Slot ran election platforms on undertaking a review of some sort. But as Tony Dalimonte stated prior to the meeting, in the words of former Caledonia Councillor Craig Ashbaugh: "The popular decision isn't always right and right decision isn't always popular." The mayor and councilors are paid to make decisions that are often tough. And when it comes time to do that, it would be proper if each councilor gave a reason for their decision and state if they truly believe that OPP should be replaced, not just let the process die with no or negative replies from two neighbouring police forces. That's the easy way out and appeases most people which comes in handy come election time.

If councilors can't state their clear position, they should admit what a true waste of time this whole topic has been from the onset already – a campaign card that can only go to please the minority in most areas outside Caledonia.

Bring in the RCMP already.