At the Feb. 7 city council meeting several initiatives were approved in an attempt by council to better communicate with the citizens and voters of St. Albert. These included roundtable discussions, Facebook and town hall type meetings.
However, the most interesting seems to be the hiring of a ghost writer to pen articles on behalf of council to be published in the local newspapers. The mayor and some councillors insist that this ‘column’ will not be propaganda based.
Firstly, we have a communications department and, until recently, a communications director. Would this not fall within their responsibility? If not, why? It seems pretty clear the newspaper articles would be communications of some sort.
Further, how could the writings not be seen as propaganda when the ghost writer is tasked with collecting the thoughts of councillors and the mayor and then spinning them into one readable article that presents council in a most positive light? It appears the message council wants to send through these articles is, “Look how great we are and what positive things we are doing for you. Make sure you continue to vote for us so we can keep doing these great things for you.” And, they want to use our money to tell us how great they are!
Secondly, the other initiatives appear to be focused on simply hearing from residents. Will any questions posted to Facebook be answered? If so, by whom? Council or staff? Will anyone respond to questions/concerns raised at the town hall meetings? Again, by whom?
If over the course of the town hall meetings hundreds or thousands of residents clearly stated they did not want $15 million spent on the heritage sites would council stop the project? Did council listen to residents’ concerns with the Arlington Drive project, or just hear them?
Giving residents an opportunity to vent versus engaging them in meaningful dialogue with an expectation that something positive will materialize is not the same. The mayor and councillors need to remember there is a big difference between hearing and active listening.
Actions speak louder than words. Council simply needs to start making good business decisions and there will not be a need for spin doctors or smoke and mirrors.
If you want to know what council is up to, attend the meetings, read the local papers or watch the sessions on Shaw TV.
Norm Harley, St. Albert
