I am absolutely unnerved by this council’s disregard for the democratic process which most all Canadians dearly respect and acknowledge each year on Nov. 11 by honouring those who have so bravely fought to preserve this privilege. To accept the recommendations of ‘Western Management’ on governance structure, which excludes the voters’ elected representatives from being part of the decision process for all matters concerning this city's wellbeing, is disgraceful. Who is Western Management, anyway? What qualifications do they have that suggests they know what governance process is best for this city? The process that is being accepted is certainly not democratic!
I would suggest that if this council wishes to change from the democratic process to a more authoritarian process (in committees, Mayor gets to vote on all issues but councillors only vote on half the issues and the Mayor will designate which half!) then it should be up to the people to decide. I am further suggesting that the governance process should be an election issue; each candidate should declare their governance choice and the ballot should include a referendum for the people to choose what process they expect.
What’s next ... we get to vote in a Mayor who will then select the councillors?
Shut the door!
Ken McMorris, St. Albert
