The three-minute idling bylaw shows how St. Albert city councillors have not enough knowledge on how some vehicles and citizens struggle in our Canadian winters. The bylaw, as it stands, makes it illegal to make my car safe to drive under certain conditions.
I cannot use my defroster to remove condensation from my windows for more than three minutes if it is above -20 C. Not all cars are the same and some are older than others, as we all do not have a new vehicle. Some citizens struggle with older cars and can only wish to have a newer model.
Winter can be a struggle for most citizens especially when one's vehicle is parked outside as not everyone has the luxury of a garage. Some of us struggle to pay just for a home for ourselves. Allowing one's car to be safe is NOT a vague idea and it is not used to escape a ticket as Mayor Heron has been stated in the St. Albert Gazette.
Every councillor needs to show understanding, compassion and stop micromanaging their citizens. Some citizens struggle in their daily life due to a disability or old age, and at times, just need a little bit more time to complete their day or to just stay warm on their journey home.
All councillors should remove their blinders, stop micromanaging our lives and understand that they are elected to help their citizens. Elected officials work for the citizens of this city; it is their duty to serve others, see others and understand others. They SERVE us ... they must never ever forget that.
Delfina Lambregts, St. Albert
