The story (Gazette, Oct.22) re my proposed Policing Committee reported that I was absent from the Oct. 17 council meeting making it sound as if I deliberately failed to show up for a discussion of my own motion. Not true. I couldn’t attend because I was lying on my back in a hospital bed recuperating from hip surgery which Mayor Nolan Crouse and senior administration were well aware of.
The mayor chose to place this matter on the agenda with his own view as to how the proposed committee should be structured and financed, hoping that he could push it through without my presence. I want to thank Councillor Cam MacKay for postponing this important matter to a date when I can be present.
I’m also pleased that the Gazette reporter took the time to obtain an opinion from citizen Allan Bohaychyk, a supporter of civilian overview of policing for his views, which I share. The mayor and administration propose to spend $50,000 in administrative support for this committee which is a waste of taxpayers’ money, so when this comes back before council I will recommend maximum of $10,000 per year.
This is a committee which will attract citizens who are prepared to handle their own scheduling of meetings and keeping minutes. We don’t need 11 members when seven could adequately do the job. The mayor wants every organization in town with membership on the Policing Committee. On the contrary, we need seven good people and organizations can make an appointment to appear before the committee with their policing issues. They do not have to be members to be effective in forwarding their issues. The same goes for the undemocratic suggestion by the mayor that only one member with law-enforcement experience can apply.
Today’s policing covers a wide range of experience from family issues, to drug enforcement, traffic matters, break and entry, mischief, along with theft and so called white-collar crime. I will accept all the help we can get from experienced retired police citizens who wish to serve. My proposal has been delayed for various reasons, not the least which has been the change in detachment commanders. No more delays. I have asked administration to try to have this scheduled early in December at the latest.
Councillor Bob Russell, St. Albert
