In response to correspondence requesting that City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow show leadership, the mayor has provided a commentary.
At the June 4 committee of the whole meeting, during the correspondence portion of the meeting, Woznow said leadership comes in many different forms, depending on whether one lives in a democracy or a dictatorship.
“I grew up in a democracy, but I was also fortunate to learn about leadership from mentors who grew up in a dictatorship and escaped to Canada where they found freedom of expression,” said Woznow. “Dr. Valenta, my doctoral thesis advisor, emphasized the opportunities that exist for inquisitive minds in a democracy that do not exist in a dictatorship. Here, we have the ability to read the works of many authors and determine for ourselves which ones make most sense. This was essential in allowing me to answer questions during my thesis defence.
“I carried this belief throughout my career and it was the reason the external affairs department asked me in 1990 if I would host a delegation of Polish MPs and senators who were in Canada to learn how they could best transition to a democracy.”
Woznow said over the next two years, he volunteered with the Polish government and assisted in getting them documents to allow them the transition they were seeking. He said he was honoured with an invitation to sit with the parliamentary assembly while the powers of the president were being debated.
“With democracy, people in Poland accepted, with much happiness, that they could read books and listen to rock ‘n’ roll music,” said Woznow. “This experience helped me to realize that a key benefit of democracy is the ability to form opinions after hearing and reading multiple different opinions.”
Woznow said based on this and other experiences, he believes the division that exists among some residents of Powell River is due to the fact that they are unable to differentiate between their opinions and the truth.
“Believing that they have the truth, they feel compelled to demand that others embrace their truth,” said Woznow. “An example is the criticism I received when accepting a book at a previous council meeting. This was interpreted falsely that I endorsed and was promoting the book.
“Had the individual shown me the courtesy of contacting me, they would have known their concern was unfounded. Unfortunately, the ability to have an open mind is becoming a scarce commodity and that is what is required to move through the divisiveness in our community.”
Woznow said in correspondence, writers have expressed a concern that he is racist and that he does not respect or understand Indigenous history and the abuse that students in residential schools experienced. He said as an altar boy, he was abused by a pedophile priest, who was finally transferred to another parish.
“My survival of that experience was largely due to the mothers of my school friends who must have sensed what was happening because of the dramatic change in my behaviours, and without saying anything, found ways to help me heal,” said Woznow.
“So yes, I understand the impact of abuse, especially abuse of people in authoritarian positions.”
Woznow said writers have also suggested that he does not understand and respect Indigenous people. He said this is false. He said since 1987, he has met Indigenous leaders from across Canada in different roles. He added that in 2008, he and his spouse Susan O’Brien started the first national scholarship program for Indigenous high school students, with each recipient spending one week doing science or engineering research in one of 10 Canadian universities.
“All their expenses were paid by our foundation,” said Woznow. “From 2008 to 2021, Susan and I volunteered our time as the CEO and project manager of the foundation that oversaw the programs and did all the fundraising. During that time, we raised more than $10 million in cash and in-kind, and more than 550 Indigenous students from across Canada attended the program.”
Woznow said 15 of these students were from Brooks Secondary School.
He said before a student was accepted, O’Brien or he spoke with the student’s parents, grandparents or guardians to answer any questions they had about the program, or about safety concerns.
“In summary, we can start a path to end divisiveness by focusing on positives rather than negatives, opening our minds to hear other opinions, and in doing so, demonstrating a willingness to work together for the benefit of our great city.”
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
