As with presidential tweets, Saturday's front-pager (Gazette, July 29) describing Mayor Nolan Crouse's legal hearing more clearly demonstrates the nature of the man wishing to succeed him. Either Councillor Cam MacKay is not informed about provincial legislation governing CEO vacancy and of St. Albert city council's Procedure Bylaw relative to the duties of the deputy mayor or, perish the thought, he seized upon a potential opportunity to grandstand and gloat. Neither trait is a plus in a mayoralty candidate.
Councillor MacKay's two-month tenure as St. Albert's deputy mayor is done at the end of August, and city council is currently on its summer break. The next council meeting is not until Aug. 21. To suggest it was crucial for him to be in attendance at the courthouse because he would have to act quickly, and: "if there was a judgment that day I would have had to do a whole bunch of stuff in the evening and (the next) morning ... you have to be ready to act" is laughable.
Incidentally, it is pleasing to note the high calibre of candidates stepping forward for election this October. For example, Jacquie Hansen, Ken MacKay (no relation to Cam), Wes Brodhead (incumbent) and Sandyne Beach-McCutcheon, all have the right stuff; the intelligence, municipal experience, social conscience and governance skills.
Under the forward-thinking leadership of Cathy Heron, they can, I am confident, raise the standard of civility in city council chambers and will work tirelessly for the community to which they are all so dedicated. Thanks to all who are willing to serve.
Rachel Vincent, St. Albert
