On Nov. 6, during a debate regarding a motion to stop planning on the branch library, Councillor Natalie Joly stated, and I quote: "the ballot question showed that two-thirds of people who voted don't understand the price tag that was attached to that, and that's fair and we have to respect that." Councillor Joly, with respect, I find it surprisingly arrogant to infer that the majority of voters who responded with a 'No' to the branch library plebiscite question were either uninformed or misunderstood as to the implications of their vote. I can guarantee you that many, including myself, were fully cognizant of the costs and tax implications of the branch library proposal. Quite frankly, if costs and taxation fears were foremost, please explain why the pool addition garnered a yes vote, as it had a substantial cost and tax implication itself. Further to this insult, Mayor Cathy Heron suggested that the plebiscite question was geared to a 'No' vote. With respect Mayor Heron, you and Mayor Crouse were the guiding principles of the wording of that question, so suggesting it was possibly misleading is nonsense. It is disingenuous for the mayor and any councillor to suggest that just because the plebiscite question didn't parallel their personal beliefs, that it was misunderstood by the same voters who showed their trust in yourselves as the leaders of this city. They didn't vote for any of you because of your single beliefs in one item or another. They voted for you for the complete persons you are, regardless of any single position. They also voted to stop planning a branch library, by a large majority. Please respect both votes equally. Ken Klak, St. Albert
