My Opinion of the Inspection.
In the province of
Alberta
Municipal affairs is not going to get into the business of
settling local issues in all of these communities. Once they settle one how
many more will they have on their hand’s?
If you want more proof of this go look at the municipal
affairs site, you will see there as not been a lot of Inspections and seldom do
they go in favor of the petitioners.
What we went through last night and over the previous six
months in the Crowsnest Pass Province
of Alberta
I understand why the ratepayers started the petition I
understand why 2500 plus people signed it. We have a council that implemented “Change”,
unfortunately they did too much to fast. During the last three years in my
opinion they lost touch with the taxpayers, government cannot please everybody
but you must have a majority of the public on your side. I believe that a lot
of the 2500 were not just upset about various issues in the community but felt
that council was no longer hearing them.
Back to the report things that stood out to me:
The consultant told us that council did nothing illegal, he
also told us that they can hire and fire who ever they want, including
volunteers, he told us they can raise taxes, and cut spending where ever they
want. They can pass policies, bylaws and procedures as they see fit.
The consultant also told us we have a very limited tax base
most of which is residential, he told us that a high percentage of our
population are seniors on a fixed income. In addition he told us that combined
our mill rate and franchise fees have increased our taxes a lot. He told us
that council and administration have done a poor job communicating with the
employee’s, with the public and at times even with each other (especially when
it comes to the issue of change). He told us that labor relations at the
municipality are poor, that the relationship between management and CUPE is strained
to say the least.
The consultant also told us that this community should look
at the possibility of a “viability study” the possible breakup of the present
municipality. The consultant feels that the Crowsnest Pass as never come
together as one community since amalgamation in 1979. I disagree with that, as
one speaker so passionately stated last night every time there as been a need
for this community to come together they have. I doubt for a moment that any
future council will take that approach, would any of our rural MD neighbors
want to take on any part of the Crowsnest Pass? I doubt that to.
What Russell Farmer and the Province have told us, just five
days prior to nominations closing and thirty three days prior to the election
is you the residents of the Crowsnest
Pass
The report as really made this whole process simple if you
agree with what as happened here over the last three years re-elect this
council or like minded individuals. If you disagree with what as happened then
you better look at the alternatives.
Think long and hard before you make your choice on Oct 21st,
because if in two years you are not happy I think the Province as made it very
clear you will be wasting your time looking to them to solve your problems
