I was sitting in the gallery of city council on Nov. 10, listening to budget presentations being made by different organizations. After the presentation made by the St. Albert Public Library, various councillors asked questions and provided remarks. Coun. Bob Russell was quiet throughout the session, until the very end, where he closed the session by going on a rant about how he was irritated by receiving messages from the library for its initiative to build a new branch. He stated that he was sick and tired of receiving these messages everywhere, such as on his email and iPad.
Every councillor and citizen has the right to voice their displeasure about a situation. And it is expected that council will provide comments and ask questions to alleviate any concerns they have. It is not wrong for Coun. Russell to present his displeasure with the library’s initiatives. However, the manner in which he presented his comments were completely self-serving and rude.
Vino Vipulanantharajah, St. Albert
