Before we take coal off the stocking list for city council this year let us refresh our memories to see what had to happen to get council to start acting responsibly.
Many phone calls, letters and discussions had to happen to bring several members of council down to reality. The addition of a new council member –apparently to some people’s disagreement – rounded out the playing field. This was desperately needed. Often times the conduct of all members has been questionable and juvenile, not just recently, this has been going on for months and months! Short-term memories when it is convenient I guess.
Let us keep in mind Alberta has had a rough year economically and yes it has touched the magical land of St Albert. Job losses, the food bank is having trouble keeping up, less income and businesses suffer and with everything going up the last thing needed is money wasted on unnecessary and frivolous wants. Somehow through common sense the tax increase is being held at bay! Whoa good job. This is a first in a long time. 2016 is projected to be a worse year than 2015 for Alberta. I am not trying to be a pessimist just realistic. Council has to give us taxpayers the best bang for our bucks. No wasting, no frivolous "want" spending when needs are not being met. Put all of your citizens first not just your special interest groups.
Merry Christmas to all and may 2016 not be as rough a ride and council hang on to the common sense you recently seem to have found. It cannot be a one time thing, it has to carry forward from now on. A small piece of coal in your stockings may keep that memory and commitment going!
J. Ritchie, St. Albert
