The real S.C Rudegan

I received the following email yesterday I have now confirmed that this is the real S.C so I am posting for all those people that were misled. By a group that is willing to stop at nothing to hang on to power we have heard so much about the "old.boys club" is this now "new boys club".

Where did they get everybody's email's?

Hello Dean,

I just wanted to let you know that the blog that is out there, supposedly by S.C. Rudegan, has nothing to do with me.  I've posted a response on John Prince's blog, but I don't know if he will allow it.  I think it is idiotic, when there are real issues to discuss, that people are getting distracted for even one moment by b.s. like this.  I'll address this more in my next column, unfortunately it will be after the election.  I just wanted you to know that the sentiments expressed on the "blog" have nothing to do with me or my opinions.

 

S.C. Rudegan

The myth of the "Silent Majority"

Excellent article in this week's Pass Herald from S.C Rudegan regarding the myth of the "Silent Majority", I think his words really clear up another misconception.


http://passherald.ca/archives/130709/index5.htm



Note: Cost of administration $4325 per day 

Pass Herald a sign of the times

This week's Pass Herald (On line) is a very good reflection of what's going on in this community at this time. Obviously we start with the flood how could you not. 

At the last council meeting CAO Thompson mentioned that discussions had started with the Bellevue Seniors on their hall, he gave a sense that they were going well and more meeting were to come. 
When I read the article "Seniors Centre debate continues" available @
http://passherald.ca/archives/130625/index3.htm it certainly does not give the impression that we have amicable negotiations going on here.  

Then I read the article "Council severs ties with Pool Board" available @
http://passherald.ca/archives/130625/index1.htm
we seem to be getting a very common theme here in the Crowsnest Pass. 
(For those that want to compare this to when the structure of the ski hill was changed I will be answering that issue shortly) 

Lastly there is an article from guest writer S.C Rudegan titled "Who's in charge" available @
http://www.passherald.ca/archives/130625/index4.htm

Two very important paragraphs that I am taking from this very well written article:

If we forget what made us angry, if we, for example, vote in the same people who caused this community such grief and turmoil, who led us to be laughed at by surrounding municipalities, if we do not continue to demand accountability and transparency, then a year from now we will be whining the same destructful tune.  There is nothing wrong with being angry, if that anger is turned into action. Action that is positive, life-enhancing, and inclusive. The way ahead is not to return to the path already followed. It is to create something better. Expect more, and that’s what we’ll get. Give up the battle, surrender without winning, believe that we deserve nothing better – and that will be our destiny. But not a future worth fighting for. This community and it's people do deserve better, when you read the first two articles above and place that in context with what's happened in the last three years it certainly describes the tone of our community.  We are indeed having change rammed down our throat, Mayor Decoux said last week the public voted for change and that's what they are getting. We all know that change is inevitable but the question is always how much and how fast and if it is the right change. Our council and administration are following a script put together (Strategic Plan) that was not created for the most part and or brought into by the vast majority of the residents of this community. That I believe in it's self will mean lots of change at the ballot box this fall, unless of course Bruce is right and he really does have the "silent majority"!      Note: Keep in mind one very important number $4325

Communications, another person's opinion on what's happening in the CNP.

This article was posted on John Prince's Blog today http://blog.johnprince.ca/ It appears in this week's Pass Herald.  I agree with John it is very well written and very timely for what's going on in the Crowsnest Pass now days.

Who’s in charge

S.C. RUDEGAN

Feature Columnist

I was fascinated to hear that the Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass has hired a communications consultant to help strengthen relationships with residents. As someone with more than 25 years experience in the field, I'm curious about what motivates an organization to out-source communication, something I consider leadership's primary responsibility. I've found that there are usually two reasons why an organization seeks external communications advice. Either the Municipality, for example, doesn't have the resources to hire an internal staff person. Or, it has the resources, but not the expertise.
Based on the hiring frenzy that has occurred in the Crowsnest Pass in the last year, it doesn't seem that resources are the issue. Council continues to write cheques for everything from new office flooring to fancy trucks to hiring external consultants. Therefore, it must be an issue of expertise. And that is where things start to get tricky.
Communication is the life-blood of every organization. It is what makes all the working parts hum. It's the oil that keeps things from over-heating, the fulcrum that keeps things in balance. For our elected officials to admit, by their decision to hire external communications advice, that they do not have the expertise to keep the municipal system working properly, is a serious problem. Particularly, with a Mayor
and Council that repeatedly boast about their education and professionalism. It's one thing to seek advice on website design. It's quite another to have someone from outside the community take control of building
relationships with taxpayers and the media. It's one thing to hire someone to plan a special event, it's quite another to hire an external consultant to establish long-term strategy goals.
When an organization decides to outsource its communications, particularly an organization that is elected, it is admitting that it has lost control. Communications is not separate from leadership, it is leadership. When those in charge are not fulfilling their responsibilities, perhaps because they are feeling threatened, the tendency is to relegate people into camps - those who are with the Mayor and Council, for
example, and those who are against. Relationships are seen as absolutes, and actions simulate a kind of guerrilla warfare. Outside communication consultants are like mercenaries, hired to give one side a strategic advantage. Strategy is about scoring points. The business of the Municipality becomes getting, then maintaining, control.
If it is the intention of those in charge of this community to bring people together, to dedicate themselves to clarity, transparency, and moving forward. If those in charge are prepared to listen, to talk with people not at them, to repair relationships, and to search for common ground, they do not need an external communications consultant. Because their actions, based on their intentions, will communicate volumes
to the people who live here, visit here, and want to do business here