Earlier this week I happened to catch a portion of a presentation to city council delivered by one of the local pressure groups.
In my view the comments in the presentation were pointed and opinionated, reflected considerable research and reinforced the obvious relationship with respect to the property tax burden on residents and projects supported by past and present councils and their frivolous spending habits.
At the end of the presentation there were but three questions from two on council — both of which could barely conceal their disdain for the message delivered. One of the questions related to just whom the presenter represented and how big the group was. Of course the question infers that the views expressed are not representative of a larger portion of the citizens of St Albert, leaving the council member smugly secure in the belief that they, and they alone, represent the interests of the citizens of the community.
The politicians’ delusion that they represent constituent interests is one of the many negative characteristics of our political system. In reality politicians, especially local versions, represent “interests.” On occasion they may be constituent “interests,” but only to the extent they have “interests.” Experience shows that the politicians represent lobby “interests,” special “interests,” vested “interests” and government “interests.” Should anyone have the temerity to challenge this role and the relationships, the politician and the interests that support them get nervous and will challenge the threat, just as occurred at the council session on Monday.
In an environment where only 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the electorate even bothers to vote, a very small portion of the community comprised of friends, relatives and interest groups can shape the outcome of elections. Given that reality, for politicians like the local council, to conclude that they and they alone represent the interests of the larger community is phoney. Their mandate is no different than that of many other community groups or organizations established around a common purpose — regardless as to whether that group has 10 or 10,000 members.
Indeed, if there is any local group of six to 15 persons whose views and decisions are not representative of my own and that of many others in the community, it’s the tight group on and around council.
Brad Wright, St. Albert
