’Tis two days before Christmas and the time has come to reach into the Gazette editorial staff’s sometimes judgmental and sometimes sentimental Santa sack of presents for those whose names graced these pages in the past year. While few were outright naughty (and some of those should forever be forgotten) many far exceeded the qualifications of being nice. Here’s our Yuletide list:
For St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Lynda Moffatt – a citizen of the year award for taking city council to task for its often dysfunctional behaviour. Few apologies and a lot of finger pointing immediately followed, but we’ve noticed an improvement in attitude since council’s collective castigation.
For St. Albert city council members – a trained mediator and copy of Robert’s Rules of Order. If those aren't available, maybe some team building exercises at a boxing ring or a paintball arena to work out their issues in a less obnoxious and perhaps more humble way.
For city manager Patrick Draper – see above.
For the hardworking staff at the city hall – a copy of George Harrison’s album All Things Must Pass.
For new MP Michael Cooper – quick passage of Dave Wynn’s Law to tighten up the rules on bail hearings. Former Independent MP Brent Rathgeber drafted the law, but you demonstrated the character to pursue it.
For former MP Brent Rathgeber – a slightly less rumpled suit and a thank you for your dedication to good governance.
For Premier Rachel Notley – A lump of coal topped with a good dollop of bitumen. It’s true she brought the oilsands industry on board with her climate strategy, but an awful lot of people are coming to think she is not interested in listening to them, from small business people struggling to cope with increased taxes and higher minimum wages, to farmers and rural people in general.
For St. Albert’s NDP MLA Marie Renaud – a government that has the sense to give attention to your thoughtful and sensible ideas in protecting people with disabilities.
For all anonymous online commentators – the courage to put an honest name to their unsolicited opinions.
For the St. Albert RCMP – a set of gold rims, a lift job, a phat stereo system and maybe some eye-catching ground effects for their community policing golf cart. The custom job would certainly enhance its visibility – not to mention increase its appeal with the younger crowd.
Our sports teams deserve a particularly fine holiday.
For the Paul Kane women's basketball team – continued success. They enjoyed their first victory over the St. Albert Skyhawks since the 2011 league playoffs between the metro Edmonton division one rivals at the SkyDome.
For the St. Albert Rugby Football Club – more bandages and beer. They marked a sweet repeat at provincials for the fantastic firsts and terrific thirds in men's rugby and the second provincial cup in three years for the women's team.
For hockey star Jarome Iginla – what to get a guy who already has talent, fame and fortune? Why not name the city’s new arena after this future Hockey Hall of Famer? Oh yeah, that’s already been done. It’s hard to think of anything else.
For the folks who selflessly ran the SHAVA bookstore for a quarter of a century – our continued gratitude for not only promoting literacy in this digital age, but also for making life for hospital users a little more pleasant.
For Const. David Wynn’s family – anything we suggest could never be enough, but please know that your community will never forget the sacrifice you have suffered in the service of our city. May 2016 bring you some happiness.
The staff at the St. Albert Gazette wishes you all a Merry Christmas.
