When I was a student at the U of A back in the early ’90s, I took a course on urban politics that had a big impact on my life. The primary assignment was to find a person running for office, volunteer on their campaign, and write a paper on the experience. I volunteered with Bob Russell.
I spent many nights and weekends knocking on doors, helping with pamphlets and gaining insight into what a campaign looks like and why people run. Bob inspired me. He didn’t win that election, but he absolutely won me over.
I ended up switching my major to political science with a focus on urban issues. After graduation, my first real job was working in municipal government. One of the things I learned from Bob is that a small group of people with vision, who care about their community, and who are willing to work hard can have a very positive impact. Twenty-five years later, that message continues to resonate with me.
Reading Bob’s comments about the library, in particular, his demand that supporters of the library stop emailing and contacting him, or he will deduct $100 from his support for every message he receives, has completely stunned me. It’s absurd, ridiculous, and stands in complete opposition to the role of a city councillor in a modern democracy. The person I’d looked up to and who played a formative role in my life has slowly transformed into an angry old man yelling into the wind.
It's time to retire.
Chris McLeod, St. Albert
