A year and a half ago, we moved to St. Albert. We did so believing St. Albert was that “different” city where the councillors actually listened to the people and what the people wanted. We have been very disappointed with what we have seen so far.
When we moved here, there was an election going on which we could not participate in, but we watched what was going on. There was a plebiscite put to the people as to what it was the taxpayers wanted to spend their hard-earned money on. As we recall, a branch library was at the bottom of that list that the people voted on. We believe that swimming facilities were at the top of the list and other items were in between the two.
So ... why is it then that the council here is still talking about a library? Have the people not spoken loud and clear? What is the point of having a plebiscite if nobody is listening?
My husband and I use the library on a regular basis. It is more than adequate for the size of city that St. Albert is even if it grows. Not once have we encountered lineups or crowds of any sort at the library.
I have heard that the councillors are talking about placing a “storefront” library in the north end. A library is a library is a library, and the people have spoken loud and clear: no library.
It takes us 45 minutes to walk to the library and we live on the far north edge of the city, and by car it takes all of five minutes.
It’s ridiculous to spend money on something that is not needed and ignore the taxpayers’ demand for better swimming facilities and other items. Has the council forgotten whose money it is that they are spending?
The people of St. Albert should be outraged at this council and how they are trying to forge ahead with something that clearly the people have voted against.
When will the council start to listen to the people who sign their cheques?
M. Phillips, St. Albert
