While it is easy to throw stones at public figures that make mistakes, I want to acknowledge and thank Coun. Cam MacKay for having the courage to quickly admit and correct his. Unfortunately the media put him in a box – either he would have to deny any involvement to avoid a public endorsement, or admit to helping a candidate and provide a public endorsement as a political figure, which he did not want to do. What was admirable was that he corrected the statement the same day, clarified that he had helped some candidates and accepted the consequences.
Last month, the Gazette editorial preached that people should be civil this election. It would appear that the Gazette could take its own advice and report real election issues facing this city instead of needlessly distracting people with mudslinging on topics of no consequence. People expect unbiased reporting of real issues. Even though it is permissible for elected officials to help candidates in any election, the Gazette’s slant and headline on this story sensationalized and attacked a city councillor.
Delegating members of a campaign team to manage social media communications, with preapproved parameters for responses is common during elections at all levels, as the candidate’s time must be used wisely, and they can not only focus on social media. The fact that this was considered worthy of front-page news is disappointing.
Politicians who state untruths and refuse to correct their mistakes are a dime a dozen, as we have all repeatedly witnessed at all levels of government, including at the local level. A politician who is willing to quickly make things right when he makes an error is a person of integrity, and a refreshing change. Our elected representatives are not perfect, only human. We can only hope that our other elected officials will also have the character to acknowledge their errors and correct them. This city is lucky to have Coun. MacKay to represent us. Congratulations Mr. MacKay! Well done!
Steve Stone, St. Albert
