I am writing about our city council, the assessment of its behavior provided by Ms. Linda Moffat on behalf of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce, and the reported reactions of Coun. MacKay and Mayor Crouse.
I am writing about our city council, the assessment of its behavior provided by Ms. Linda Moffat on behalf of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce, and the reported reactions of Coun. MacKay and Mayor Crouse.
I agree with the chamber of commerce and the Gazette's assessment of our elected representatives. Their reported behaviour is unprofessional, impolite and needs changing.
There are three problems that I think need addressing. The first is the style of “Prairie Populist” governance and behaviour being practiced by a few councillors. Government by popular opinion is not council's job. They should work as a group to base all their discussions, deliberations and decisions on facts and use reasoned logic to make the best decisions on behalf of city citizens as a whole – even at the expense sometimes of upsetting some of us individually. Certainly citizens' complaints concerning issues need addressing and mitigating, but these complaints shouldn't drive any councillors' personal or professional agendas. Oftentimes it appears this is the case.
A second problem, raised by Ms. Moffat, is the constant shows of disbelief and skepticism towards the professionals in city administration – particularly those at managerial levels. The reported treatment of city staff by some councillors is akin to witness grillings at the hands of U.S. Government House and Senate Committees. It's indicative of councillors trying to make “political points” at the expense of City employees. That kind of behaviour demonstrates both immaturity and unprofessionalism in itself. It must be stopped by whatever means needed.
The third problem would appear to be a lack of control exercised by the mayor, as chair of city council. I believe City Bylaw 35/2009 (consolidated by bylaw 28/2013) calls for council to operate under appropriate legislation and regulations, and thereafter in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. Ms. Moffat also raised this procedural reference. All city councillors should read this immediately. The mayor should memorize it and from here on use it rigorously to run all future meetings of council. All city committees should likewise adhere to it. That would go a long way to keeping meetings both focused on important agenda items and ensuring councillors behave civilly to both one another and city staff in attendance, including curbing any kinds of slurs or innuendos. Bad behaviour on any person's part should result in their being ejected from any meeting.
Sadly the reported reactions to Ms. Moffat's presentation give serious doubt that either Coun. MacKay or Mayor Crouse really understand that council's behaviour has to change and change quickly.
Coun. MacKay said he disagreed with the chamber of commerce's perception. He believes the problem is “an administration that is overly political instead of doing proper governance things.” I'd judge from that comment that he: doesn't know what ‘governance' means; and, is in serious denial.
Mayor Crouse said “What people need to do is provide specifics. What are those specifics and who are those specifics … because as the mayor I'm wearing it all.” That's not the language of conciliation needed for him as council leader to shed the past dysfunction and build a team. He needs to rise above that type of reaction and comment.
I really hope that the mayor and all councillors understand the seriousness of the situation they have placed themselves in and can climb out of the very deep hole they have dug for themselves – for their own good but more so for the citizens of St. Albert.
David Merritt, St. Albert
