St. Stephen Council Urges Community to Combat Rising Harassment

URGENT UPDATE: The municipal district of St. Stephen, N.B., has just issued an open letter condemning a troubling rise in harassment and intimidation directed at town officials. This alarming trend, reported over recent months, includes personal attacks and threats against both municipal employees and council members.

In a statement released earlier today, the letter emphasizes that serving in public office is a commitment that comes with significant personal risks. “Our elected officials and municipal employees work every day to make thoughtful, responsible decisions,” the letter states. However, it warns that the current climate of hostility is hindering open dialogue and eroding the foundations of civil society.

Mayor Allan MacEachern and C.A.O. Jeff Renaud signed the letter, reflecting a growing concern for the safety and well-being of public servants. MacEachern expressed that while social media criticism is expected, the situation has escalated beyond mere comments. He confirmed that there have been instances of physical assaults and threats to officials’ livelihoods.

“We have seen a lot of bad experiences lately,” MacEachern stated. “We need to do better.” He hopes the letter will encourage citizens to engage in healthier discussions about local issues, rather than normalizing abusive behavior.

The mayor underscored the importance of modeling respectful behavior for future generations. “We are facing a bigger issue here than just St. Stephen. We have to start somewhere,” he added. Since the letter’s release last week, MacEachern has received feedback from other municipalities in New Brunswick experiencing similar problems.

Dan Murphy, president of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick, confirmed that this trend of rising abuse towards elected officials is a nationwide concern. “We are all discussing how to create a positive environment for those who wish to run for office,” Murphy stated. He commended St. Stephen’s council for addressing the issue publicly, which he described as a crucial step towards fostering civil discourse.

Murphy highlighted that while disagreement with council decisions is natural, it should never lead to disrespectful behavior. “Those who serve on council are community members too, working for the interests of their neighbors,” he said.

The risks associated with public service are becoming increasingly pronounced, raising fears that potential leaders may choose not to run for office in the future. “We could miss out on great leaders if this trend continues,” MacEachern warned.

In a statement to CTV Atlantic, Jennifer MacNeil of New Brunswick’s Department of Local Government acknowledged the growing concern regarding harassment. She stressed the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue and safe participation in local governance. “We are collaborating with other provinces to better manage these challenges,” MacNeil said.

As the situation develops, St. Stephen’s council is calling for a collective effort to restore civility in public discussions. The success of local governance relies on the ability to engage openly and respectfully, a sentiment echoed by both officials and community members.

Residents of St. Stephen and beyond are urged to reflect on the importance of civil discourse to ensure a healthy democratic process. As this issue gains traction, it remains critical for all stakeholders to prioritize respectful engagement and support those who dedicate their lives to public service.