I read with interest the article in the Gazette on June 3 ('Nasty' debate tone causes concern on council). I agree that politics seems to be getting nastier, at all levels, especially in the age of social media and trolls. Women in politics seem to be the target of some of the nastiest stuff – just ask Alison Redford or Rachel Notley.
I don't see a lot of complaining by our Premier, or really many politicians, in papers about the nasty things people call them. My guess is a thick skin is a job requirement, something to consider if anyone aspires to politics.
Saying that, there are two women on our council, but the article never mentioned our other woman councillor's (Sheena Hughes) opinion. And yet she has some experience as well with nasty comments. It was Mayor Crouse who was quoted in the Gazette (Nov. 2014) – saying to the Gazette's editorial board that Sheena was a “do nothing, go nowhere councillor.”
Seems like the nasty tone isn't just coming from the public.
K. Van Hoof, St. Albert
