I am writing to bring several matters to the attention of the voting populace of St. Albert. First it appears, anecdotally, that at least six candidates for council and mayor appear to be working together to get elected. I understand that in some areas of St. Albert one person is delivering election materials for up to six or seven candidates. While this may not necessarily be unusual, it may lend some credence to there being an attempt by a cabal to take control of council. I refer to an anonymous letter sent to a former councillor, Mr. Roger Lemieux, in 2012 (prior to the 2013 civic election). The letter was the subject of an article in the October 9, 2013 St. Albert Gazette. I quote from the letter: “.... Well Mr. Lemieux we are going to remove you from office We need another Cam Mackay We got rid of Jones We got Mackay so he is our first to get control And parker actually follows Mackay so that means we have 2 now..... You are next We are happy you will be beat in 2013 We may not be able to bring crouse and heron down but that will take place in 2016 In 2016 SATA is in control of City Hall” While this letter was sent to Mr. Lemieux in 2012, it seems to foreshadow some of the problems that arose during the term of the last council. Based on the foregoing and the dysfunction and infighting apparent with that council, along with the lawsuit involving council, some staff of the city administration and several private citizens, I believe there is a co-ordinated effort being made by a group of citizens to take control of council to advance their own agenda, whatever that may be. This could result in council not considering alternative proposals and the stifling of healthy debate, to realize their own agenda, to the possible detriment of good governance and the City of St. Albert. Citizens of St. Albert, please carefully consider the candidates and what they stand for before you vote. Robert Sword, St. Albert
