Mayor and Councillors; May 30, 2015
I was motivated to have a first-hand look at council’s first quarter expenses after reading Victoria Paterson's article on the front page of today's Gazette.
While everyone is certainly free to have their own opinion in Canada, I believe it is the mayor’s sole responsibility to either approve or disapprove a councillor’s expenses, not critique what public benefit someone's professional development spending may have. Noting your personal opinion on one of the city's legal documents is completely uncalled for.
I found your handwritten critique of Coun. Cam MacKay's discretionary professional development funds to be completely unprofessional and personally offensive. I can only imagine the thoughts of our city's Filipino community must have after reading that our mayor believes that committing oneself for three years to learn their native language “contrary to public good.”
I certainly believe that Coun. MacKay, the city, and especially our Filipino community is owed an apology for your unwarranted for comments.
You note on his expense form that Coun. MacKay answers to the public. I would like to take this opportunity to impress on you, that when all is said and done, you too, Mayor Crouse must also answer to the public.
Mike Bishop, St. Albert
