Yesterday I posted the following article http://crowsnestpasshome.blogspot.ca/2012/11/a-community-divided-real-fix-is-eleven.html
Almost ironically, I receive an email this morning from the
municipality, it’s the monthly newsletter. I will take a few quotes from the
Mayors Corner and contribute my own thought’s.
Quote #1. “I think it’s safe to say we are all
very interested in local politics and hopefully will continue to be. I have to
admit I am a bit disappointed in that we have held two budget meetings – with
no one in attendance.”
Response #1 Looks
like the people are speaking by their absence.
Quote #2 “I understand the current Councils’ “petition”
has been delivered to Edmonton
Response #2 Did
not realize it was the current councils “petition” I had assumed that it was
gathered by the ratepayers. Maybe this was an attempt at a little bit of
sarcasm.
Quote #3 “On
a positive note administration will be rolling out the new Fire Plan probably
before Christmas. The plan promises to provide improved service and long term
savings. The Director of Protective and Community Services, Mr. Albert Headrick
has indicated the plan will provide a cost savings of over one half million
dollars over the next two years and ongoing savings thereafter.
Response #3 Are
we talking here about the operational budget, capital budget combination of
both? The budget for Fire and Rescue (Operational) in 2010 was less than
$400,000 if they are going to reduce that by $500,000 in the next two years, it
will be very interesting to see what they will do. If it is reducing the
capital budget by not going with a $1.3 million Quint and instead buying
something for $800,000 that’s just playing with numbers.
Quote #4 “ We are in the process of determining an open
house date for our hotel development team to gather input from yourselves
regarding the development. I suspect it will be in February. Contrary to rumor
no “flag” hotel has yet been determined”
Response #4 Maybe
not an “Holiday Inn” looks like we are buying time. I predict that come next
September we are going to have all of these “Hot” projects ready to go subject
to the developers, manufacturers, corporations maintaining a level of comfort
with the direction of the “next” municipal council.
Quote #5 “ The
manufacturing company will be flying its executives out from Quebec
Response #5 These
problems will not get fixed in the short term, probably require another three
years see response #4 above.
Quote #6 Your
Chief Administrative Officer and I have met with four representatives of a
heavy industry once more to discuss further possibilities. They indicated they
would make a decision towards the end of the first quarter of 2013 or the
beginning of the second quarter. I am amazed at the research and care these
companies take to ensure that all environmental and social requirements can be
met before they commit. This is a welcome and complete reversal from my
experience as a young man. We have come a long way.
Response #6
Love the way all this timing is coming together, see response #4 and #5 above.
Does anybody really believe that none of these guys are running in the next
election.
Quote #7 “On
November 13th Councillors Gail, Gallant, the Chief Administrative Officer and I
met with Minister Griffiths to discuss Highway 3 and the MD of Ranchlands. As
you are aware the Provincial government has recently indicated it is not
adverse to borrowing funds for much needed infrastructure projects – I would
like to see our highway at the top of the list. We were able to provide the
Minister with a review of the need for a new highway relative to the bright
future of the Pass. Our second issue was the need to seriously address the
problem of the MD of Ranchlands vis à vis the Crowsnest Pass. There are many
complexities involved however we confirmed the obvious inequities and the
positive impact on our taxes if an amalgamation could be realized. The Minister
indicated he would visit us hopefully early in the New Year for a tour of the
Pass and to continue these discussions.”
Response #7 It
seems a long time ago since the provincial election remember all that talk from
the PC’s about balance budgets, surpluses in fairly short order. Remember the
opposition parties stating that the PC’s were basing their numbers on overly
optimistic oil and gas prices. Now we find out that they were only talking
about operational budgets, HWY 3 may be a priority for this community but it is not for Edmonton
The MD of
Ranchlands good luck I went to meetings with ministers to, met with the Council
and CAO of Ranchlands, seen many letters go
back and forth. I have not met many neighbors that are willing to share there
good fortunes with the poor guy down the street. Which way do you think the MD
of Pincher Creek and every other wealthy municipality are lobbying on this
issue.
Quote #8 “In conclusion, Ralph Waldo Emerson once said
“You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than
you.” Please make no mistake. Your elected Council knows its duty well and is
committed to fulfilling that duty to the citizens of Crowsnest Pass.
Response #8
No matter what we the taxpayers think or care about the path they have chosen.
