I can find nothing in the democratic construct that supports discouraging the electorate from contacting an elected official. As an elected official, Bob Russell's fiduciary duty is to listen to the views of the electorate as a whole – not just those who voted for him or those whose views match his own. I suspect that had Mr. Russell been inundated with emails supporting his motion to halt the realignment of St. Anne Street, he would have been thrilled.
Compounding his lack of interest in his constituents' views, Mr. Russell is also threatening to penalize the electorate by deducting $100 from future library funding for every email that's cluttered his email box. If Mayor Crouse had the gall to threaten the electorate, I am certain Mr. Russell would be first in line to emphatically call for his resignation.
A less seasoned councillor might be afforded the benefit of the doubt and the opportunity to apologize to the electorate and council. However, Mr. Russell's election platform noted his "proven track record of accountability" and many years of experience, and promised to "work to give residents a voice on council." Mr. Russell has provided ample evidence that he has little intention of listening to much less represent the voices of the citizenry of St. Albert; this failure to fulfill his duty as an elected official begs for his resignation.
The electorate of St. Albert will not be intimidated, will not submit to threats, and will not be silenced – not in person, print, email, or social media. Here's to continuing to celebrate and take full advantage of the democratic freedom of voice!
Kathy Coccio, St. Albert
