Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll wants to linguistically level the playing field between local tiers of government.
Driscoll told county council at the May 28 meeting he doesn’t like the terms “upper tier” and “lower tier” used to distinguish between municipal levels of government.
“I have a big concern when our municipalities are called lower tier municipalities and I wonder if we could not come up with a better term like ‘member municipalities,’” said Driscoll during the notice of motion section of the agenda.
Although not formally giving a notice of motion, Driscoll stated the two levels of government are equal and asked councillors to come up with another way to refer to municipalities within the county.
“Partner municipalities” was another suggestion he offered.
“I have a problem with upper tier and lower tier as well,” said Mayor Bridge, who agreed better terminology could be developed.
Driscoll asked if he needed to put the suggestion in the form of a motion.
Councillor Lynda White suggested the change could be accomplished without a formal process.
“Maybe it’s just a matter of thinking a bit before we make comments,” said White.
