Dear Editor,

Democracy pertaining to the highest office in Durham Region requires at least
three things.
One: Important decisions are made in the open, and this 'direct elect' of regional chair issue has been voted on in three municipalities. Approximately 90 per cent are voting to direct elect Durham’s chairperson and now there is Clarington's vote on the upcoming ballot in October.
Two: The public and its representatives have a right to debate this issue now and again so
decisions can be revised in what the public discovers and wants.
And three: Those elected to regional council who make the big decisions are accountable to voters. An elected Durham regional chair is a huge issue; an issue of taxation with representation and it is coming to a vote in Durham in this October's election.

Bruce Wood
President Oshawa Ratepayers Association