If you write an anonymous blog that is more of an inside joke than anything else and you want to get attention – serious, divisive, expensive, long-term mainstream media attention – pick on someone at St. Albert Place. And don’t just criticize anyone. Name a number of people and be certain some of are the type who likes to go the distance and have deep pockets, even if it is taxpayer money. Just make sure to be obnoxious enough that someone sues you. And the funny thing is, you don’t even have to use your name. It’s like fishing.
City council mercifully passed its final motion in the drawn-out lawsuit launched by city manager Patrick Draper in the summer of 2014 against the still unknown author or authors of the little-known Third Floor News Blog. The city decided that the $28,511.66 in legal fees it has spent on the action, as well as up to $11,000 in any additional costs that may still accrue, is enough. And what did taxpayers get for that money, aside from the knowledge that the action has already been dropped against the two city residents named as defendants? That’s easy, exactly nothing, the same benefit they received from all of the words council wasted on this ridiculous situation. A painted sidewalk has more value.
It’s easy to point fingers at individuals on council, but let’s get real. Almost everyone shares in this episode, no matter how well intentioned they may have been at the time. With about a year and a half before the next election, this council’s tenure is winding down. Isn’t it time they got down to more real business?
