“A portable sign? If that’s what’s keeping you in business … wow.” This is a quote from St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse. Shame, shame on you Mr. Crouse.
This is not the first time that Crouse has taken a demeaning shot towards a group of St. Albert taxpayers. I recall very vividly a comment that has stuck with me even now. It had to do with high taxes. Crouse stated that if one could not afford to live in St. Albert they should think of moving. That was an elitist comment. How could he think that some of us are disposable? Lived here for 35 years, contributed, and now get out?
The increase in payments to the city for having a portable sign is outrageous. What is the extra money going to be used for? Is this another cash cow like photo radar? It’s another blow to the business community. The anti-business climate in St. Albert is alive and well.
If St. Albert were truly serious about light industrial, Sysco Foods and a drilling company would be here and not in Edmonton and Parkland County. Is it coincidence that St. Albert is always missing the boat? Maybe all businesses should pack up and hit the road so that the “yellow brick trail” can be beautified to Crouse’s and council’s liking and they could pick and choose which businesses could reside in Utopia. The trail will never be one of the seven wonders of the world. It is a business corridor. Oh, excuse me, Starbucks can stay because when it loses money, taxpayers will bail it out.
Mr. Crouse, to enlighten you, portable signs are one element in marketing a business (especially when the business is not visible to traffic). Advertising is essential. It is efficient and was affordable. Sherwood Park businesses pay $250.00 a year. This is what I call gouging.
It is discouraging to work 12-hour days and then get hit not only with high taxes but now unrealistic portable sign fees. If the city needs money so badly, stop spending on frills. Is there anyone on council who has a feel for business? Some say they do but obviously they do not walk the talk, do they? Council members were elected to listen and not to fulfil their personal visions.
St. Albert is not open for business.
L. Hennigar, St. Albert
