There has been plenty of discussion about a new branch library for our city ... we can't afford it, we don't need it, we can use a vacant building. These are similar arguments which we heard from the naysayers about the Servus Place recreation centre. The usual penny pinching suspects led by councillors Hughes and Russell are present whenever funding for arts, culture, museums, archives and libraries is discussed. They are determined to make sure St. Albert never becomes great but remains an insignificant bedroom community to Edmonton.
I disagree with the arguments. As one of the wealthiest cities in Canada we can afford it. The need has been clearly identified by the city administrators and the library. By all means find another building if the City can acquire it and refurbish it to the standards needed for a modern library (not a warehouse) for less than the $24 million … a prospect I doubt.
And now the penny pinching petitioners have succeeded in putting the needed library branch on hold.
The seniors curling and golf club members can heave a sigh of relief that they will not have to cancel their memberships, their Oiler seasons and playoff tickets and sell their winter homes down south to pay for the library.
Now St. Albert has entered into the age of referenda. The politicians we elected to make decisions, even though decisions, led by councillors Hughes and Russell, have decided to pass the buck back to the electors. The sidewalk in front of our house needs to be replaced. Maybe we should have a referendum on street and pothole repairs.
If our councilors cannot or will not make tough decisions, then their salaries and entitlements should be reduced by 90 per cent. Will Hughes and Russell lead the way by taking a pay cut?
When our family moved to St. Albert in 1987 we were attracted to the City because of its parks, the theatre scene, its library, its arts and cultural activities and its recreation facilities. We were impressed with a city which valued its past and planned for a bright future. And yes we paid and pay higher taxes for these benefits.
We are now ready to downsize and the question arises as to where do we wish to live. Will we stay in St. Albert or move elsewhere? Hughes, Russell and the petitioners have made our decision much easier.
Recently we have been trying to convince friends to move to St. Albert as a progressive city. Now we will discourage them from making such a decision.
Great cities are not built by petitioners, penny pinchers and referenda.
Bryan Corbett, St. Albert
