It is painfully obvious that some St. Albertans struggle with change. Witnessing this unwillingness to progress has been painful – don't like parking changes, don't like painted streets, don't like funding improved infrastructure, don't like safe turning lanes, you name it – we can find something to bitch about. I do appreciate that the Gazette has been concentrating lately on more positive and proactive reporting.
St. Albert had stagnated – a good thing possibly for some of us long time residents, but not necessarily a good thing for a city going through an identity crisis. We were comfortably complacent about our crumbling city and administrative sleepwalking. A democratic council change woke us up and has been moving us slowly but surely into the 21st century. The last two administrations have had to make some tough decisions at city hall to get this community going.
However, a few wing nuts feel that the majority of us don't really have a handle on what we want. People who hide behind anonymity are cowards, unethical and disrespectful and these actions now seem to be supported by some of our city councillors. Wow.
I don't know if Draper should have his legal expenses paid by his employer for employment related defamation or not, but it seems like a logical thing to do. Regardless we need to send a strong message to cowards that feel a need to hide behind anonymous, bitter, self indulgent smack talk that they had better think before they act irresponsibly. Draper and Crouse are still the bigger men in this situation.
Some community members have been a parody for years and only make themselves look the more foolish with their continued spoiled brat, “We didn't get our way” antics. I'm sad that three councillors are riding this wave. Instead of backstabbing and posturing, everyone on council, and particularly our citizens, should show some class, figure out how to work within the mandate given our council and support them for forward thinking. It's a tough gig – I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Rochelle Jackson, St. Albert
