Norwich Councillor Resigns Following Flag Policy Bylaw Approval

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Wednesday, 24 May 2023 06:42

Photo Credit: Alisha Stubbs - Ward 2 Councillor Norwich Township Facebook page

"To the hypocrisy of decisions made for 'peace' while many citizens feel fear…I refuse to participate in this." - Former Ward 2 Councillor Alisha Stubbs.

NORWICH TOWNSHIP - Norwich Township will have to find a new Ward 2 Councillor.

Alisha Stubbs submitted her letter of resignation during last night's meeting after council passed the controversial flag policy bylaw. It states that only government flags can only be flown on Township property.

Stubbs voted against the bylaw alongside Ward 3 Councillor Shawn Gear. Ward 1 Councillor John Scholten, Ward 4 Councillor Adrian Couwenberg, and Mayor Jim Palmer voted in favour.

Stubbs also voted against the motion to create this bylaw during the Council meeting on April 25th. During that same meeting, she introduced a motion to declare June as Pride Month, but it was turned down with a vote of 4-1.

While handing in her resignation letter last night, Stubbs stated that she refuses to participate in a council that shows blatant discrimination, panders to religious groups and claims to make decisions for peace while many citizens live in fear. She shared her full statement on her Facebook page and you can find it below:

“I refuse to participate in this any longer.

To the dog whistles and the blatant discrimination … I refuse to participate in this

To the hypocrisy of decisions made for “peace”, while many citizens feel fear…I refuse to participate in this.

To the negative talk and slander about me after council meetings or at committee meetings… I refuse to participate in this

To the lack of leadership, by this council, that panders to religious groups…I refuse to participate in this.

In conclusion, I have some advice: Have the same concern for people as you do for roads. Check in with them. Reach out to them and ask them their experiences. when conditions change, adapt your follow up. Know that sometimes different roads need different work to keep them up to par. Remember that pot holes that cause damage and unsafe conditions aren’t at the fault of the road itself, but of the conditions of the environment. Advocate for people the same way you do for roads.

Use your power for good. When you hear of people in our community that feel unsafe. Believe them. Just like you believe people who say their roads are a mess.

Be the helpers. Use your power in these positions to instill change. Be courageous to challenge the status quo of hate. Kindness, and compassion and knowledge can save lives. Read more. Learn more. And then do better.

Please accept this as my resignation effective immediately.”

Ward 2 represents the village of Norwich and Stubbs secured about 760 votes in the municipal election last fall. This was her first term on Council.