I wanted to voice my opinion with respect to last Monday's council meeting – in particular the item "Disclosure of CRB Income." I was both disturbed and upset with the presentation by Coun. MacKay’s and Coun. Sheena Hughes’ comments and handling of this item. The content and tone (as well as their body language) of the presentation as well as the following discussion was extremely accusatory – essentially painting Mayor Crouse as an unethical individual who was deliberately deceiving councillors, city staff and the community at large!
They painted city administration as incompetent and continued to barrage the city manager, Mr. Draper, with the same questions, over and over again. It was, quite frankly, embarrassing and had the appearance of grandstanding on the part of councillors Hughes and MacKay!
Anyone who has lived in this community for some time knows that Mayor Crouse is probably the hardest working mayor St. Albert has ever had. His commitment, ethics, loyalty and pride in our community are exceptional. He's everywhere and demonstrates genuine interest in everything that is St. Albert. I do not believe that there is any way he would, even for one minute, consider the deliberate actions of which he is being accused. Rather it is quite possible that in trying to balance his taxing schedule and with his mind on many crucial matters that there were oversights! These can certainly be rectified (as I understand in reading this past Wednesday’s Gazette, over-payments have been reimbursed to both the City and the CRB).
It's not what has been put on the table as being "facts," but how it was presented and the not-so-subtle insinuations. This item and the following fallout are certainly not conducive to working together as an effective governing body.
I am concerned this incident has the potential to take time and resources away from the myriad of important matters that need to be addressed. Yes, transparency is important and I have no doubt that everyone on council understands this importance, but to spend any more time on this matter is, in my mind, trying to "flog a dead horse" and despite Coun. Hughes’ denial it is certainly being perceived in the community as a "witch hunt." Let the motion read that "In accordance with city policy, any future CRB payment of honorariums and per diems to Mayor Crouse be paid directly to the City of St. Albert" and leave it at that! No more ‘digging’ and painting the mayor to be some sort criminal.
In watching the council meeting on Monday, it reminded me of what goes on in the houses of our provincial and federal governments, namely the nasty, accusatory, innuendo-laced statements and comments thrown back and forth between opposition parties. I have always been proud of our municipal councils in St. Albert as behaviour between council members has, for the most part, been respectful. Good, heated debate on issues of the greatest concern to St. Albertans is a good thing. Not every council member will always agree and that's fine ... that's democracy!
With so many key issues on council's plate I sincerely hope that this CRB funds issue will not colour the future working relationship of council members and that we, as a community, can move ahead living up to our moniker as being one of the best communities in which to live, in Canada.
I have never before felt compelled to write a letter to the editor but I just couldn't sit by without saying something.
Gail Barrington-Moss, St. Albert
