An important detail omitted from a front page article entitled; “Municipal Inspection report expected in September.” and a related ‘Our View’ editorial; “Inspection results needed” in the March 15 edition of the St. Albert Gazette requires due attention. While it is true that a motion was put forth and carried on July 4, 2016 by Councillor Cathy Heron requesting an inspection by Municipal Affairs it was not the initial action in the matter.
In a previously published Letter to the Editor; “Not entirely their idea…” (Gazette; July 13, 2016) I emphasized the fact that numerous requests from individuals and groups of citizens calling for the intervention of the Minister of Municipal Affairs including a thoroughly documented submission by the St. Albert Citizens’ Coalition, were delivered to the provincial government much earlier, in 2015.
In the article referenced above, the supporting rationale for the motion in question was conveyed as follows: “She cited concerns about friction among council members and staff, council stepping too far into day-to-day administration issues and staff safety concerns.” While these points may initially have seemed to possess a certain degree of validity they have not withstood the test of time. It is my contention that the genuine issues are indeed based in reality and much more systemic in nature.
It is in the best interests of all St. Albert citizens that careful and thorough scrutiny on the part of Mr. George Cuff and his staff during the course of their municipal inspection, produce meaningful and lasting results.
Murray Lambert, St. Albert
