RE: "Transparency Needed," Feb. 10 Gazette:
Yes, transparency is needed – but so is thoughtful and responsible action.
From what I understand, AHS is in charge of the vaccine. They decide who is entitled to get it and contact people directly to book appointments. They don’t notify people’s employers (in this case the city) because it is private health information.
Regardless of whether or not certain members of the fire station chose to get the shot when they shouldn’t have (we can all agree that queue jumping is wrong), the city is not legally allowed to ask their staff whether or not it is true. Had they done so, they could have subjected themselves to legal action that would be at the expense of us taxpayers.
I think that Mayor Heron showed restraint. For her to officially comment to media in her capacity as an elected official would have been irresponsible and made the city vulnerable. She and the city manager did not have a knee-jerk reaction to an emotional situation at a very trying time – exactly the kind of accountable leadership we need.
I really hope that as we enter the election season at such a polarizing time, all of us (the Gazette included) commit to pausing, reflecting, and not being so quick to judge. There is always more to every story and we shouldn’t forget that just because we are all tired and frustrated because of the pandemic. Let’s fight the virus – not each other.
Marty Hunt, St. Albert
