A disturbing trend is brewing just outside the St. Albert Farmers’ Market at the corner of Perron and St. Anne.
From Cam McKay and the St. Albert Taxpayers Association waving leaflets in my face as I wait for the bus, to the Community League clamouring for me to sign their petition, an unwelcome dose of politics has invaded my formerly peaceful Saturday mornings and I have had enough of it.
I go to the farmers’ market every weekend to meet friends, shop and listen to buskers, not to be implicated in a rapidly degenerating debate between DARP and no DARP, save that I‘ve yet to see any DARP supporters making a nuisance of themselves on street corners, but that’s beside the point.
I base my decisions in the political sphere on a good amount of research and a solid dose of common sense. Flag waving and chest pounding do nothing for me other than to compromise my respect of the parties involved, more so if they take place in an entirely inappropriate venue. The farmers’ market is not a political soapbox. Take your flyers, petitions and snide remarks somewhere else.
Also some sincere advice for the community league — a ramshackle sandwich board with sloppily painted purple lettering and a green painter’s tape arrow doesn’t help the legitimacy of your cause at all. A clean, professional looking sign goes a long way.
Aiden O’Donohue, St. Albert
