Sasha Speak's
The Issues
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on March-17-13 3:36 AM
Well, folks it's official. The Municipal Inspection is set to begin.
Russell Farmer & Associates Consulting Ltd. has been appointed to conduct the inspection of our Municipality. They will be inspecting the management, administration, and operations
of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.
Look out council!!
The inspection process is expected to take a couple of months. A number of consultants with the firm will be conducting the inspection. As well as inspecting the operations of the Municipality, they will also be conducting interviews with people around the community. In particular, key representatives of various groups and interested community members.
Russel Farmer was quoted as saying that anyone wishing to send them information or documents they feel relevant
to the inspection, or anyone wishing to be interviewed, can email them
at inspection@rfconsulting.ca
The Ratepayers Association will be holding a General Public meeting onThursday March 21st, at 7:00 pm in the Coleman Legion. They will be discussing numerous topics including:
- Medican
- Logo Issue
- P/R people
- Fire Plan
- Inspection update
- Open Discussion
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Posted on January-22-13 8:52 PM
Monthly Ratepayer's Public Meeting
Wednesday January 23rd, at 7:00 pm Location: Coleman Legion - Upstairs
Everyone welcome.
New members encouraged to attend. Memberships will be available for $5.00.
Topics of discussion:
- Update on Crowsnest Pass Municipal Inspection
- December 21st Meeting with CAO Myron Thompson
- Contractors & Consultants Costs
- Municipal Master Fire Plan
- Open discussion and Q & A to follow
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Posted on December-05-12 1:02 AM
NEWS RELEASE | Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Mayor and Council Welcome Minister's Involvement
Inquiry will help to confirm practices and policies of Crowsnest Pass
government
(Crowsnest Pass, AB.) Yesterday, in a letter sent
to Crowsnest Pass Mayor Bruce Decoux, Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs
Doug Griffiths advised that he will conduct a municipal inspection of the policies
and practices of the municipality in response to a petition received by his
office. According to the Minister's letter, the objective of the inspection was
"to support the role of Council and administration in providing local
government services in the community."
"We welcome Minister Griffith's review of our
community's practices and policies and appreciate the inspection's importance
in clarifying the value of the services and decisions that we make each and
every day to support Crowsnest Pass," said Mayor Bruce Decoux. "We
value the fact that the Municipal Government Act within this province allows
for checks and balances in the operations of local governments so as to protect
communities and individuals. Having an oversight system in place strengthens
democracy and helps to build strong and vibrant communities," said Decoux.
Mayor Decoux and Council are determined to ensure
that community members feel confident in their local government and the
decisions that are made on behalf of our citizens. According to the Minister's
letter, an inspector will be appointed who will have broad access to any matter
connected with the management, administration or operation of the municipality.
Once complete, the inspection report is generally presented in an advertised
public meeting.
"Council and our administration will continue
to serve in an open and transparent manner and we will continue to be
accessible to the community we serve and to make decisions that will strengthen
our community which we all value," said Mayor Decoux. "We will do
everything in our power to support the Ministry of Municipal Affairs as it
moves forward with its inspection."
For more information contact:
Myron
Thompson, Chief Administrative Officer Municipality of Crowsnest Pass cao@crowsnestpass.com |
403-563-2201 |
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Marilyn Milley: Posted on November-30-12 3:28 PM
I was forwarded this letter today and asked to post it. It is written by Marilyn Milley. It's a bit long, but well worth the read. Here it is in it's entirety.
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In my opinion
Let’s talk about change
Change is only a good thing if it evolves responsibly, at
an even pace and involves participation by the people who will be
affected by change. This describes positive change. Change, which is
introduced for change’s sake alone soon becomes unacceptable and
negative and no one benefits from it. The changes put forth by our
mayor and council and administration over the past 24 months are
described as changes for our own good whether we agree with them or
not. This all began with the new hiring policy. Council hired Kevin
Robins as an interim CAO who was going to change the Crowsnest Pass and
create a utopia for the citizens. To help his quest on its way the
municipality hired Mr. Robins business partner of Transition Solutions
to re-write our antiquated bylaws. ( a direct conflict of interest).
This venture alone cost us $204,000 and when the contract between
Transition Solutions was up and Ms. Tona left the area there were still
bylaws which needed clarifying. CAO Gord Lundy hired a works
superintendent who began changing the department by purchasing equipment
which was very costly and (a back hoe) unnecessary. When Mr. Robins as
interim CAO left his position here, mayor and council promoted the
works superintendent to the position of CAO. Myron Thompson began his
mission to restructure the Volunteer Fire Department. Mayor and council
acting upon the CAO’s direction began following a new organizational
chart which involved new positions within the administration. Within a
few short months we were introduced to the nouveau consultants, none of
which were selected locally. We now have a Director for this, a
Director for that, an assistant for the Director for this and an
assistant for the Director for that, followed by a new fire chief as the
very experienced volunteer fire chief was fired. Next came the two
peace officers. The positions filled by these strangers became evident
when their rules and regulations were introduced and imposed upon the
existing work staff and the taxpayers who were there to pick up the tab
for these changes. To top it off the new fire chief is not qualified to
conduct a fire safety inspection and that has to be contracted out.
At least 90% of these bureaucratic positions are held by
persons who are described as experts in their field and because they do
not own property in the community they don’t contribute to our taxes.
The Director of Community and Protective services is an old hat
firefighter with 37 years of experience in firefighting and he does not
hold any certificates for Facilities Management, or Law enforcement
training. What we have here are a network of consultants who are
working here following their own personal agenda and don’t have our best
interests at heart. All of these changes have cost us dearly and
there’s more to come. The peace officers are supposed to pay their own
way and so far that is just a pipe dream. We now have to pay for
contracted firefighters who earn an exorbitant fee. Why inflict this
change upon us when we had a very efficient, very proud and committed,
experienced and highly trained fire department which cost us pennies in
relation to what we have to fork out now.
Incidentally if one does research on the nouveau
consultants one finds that the majority have a checkered background and
that council is scraping the bottom of the barrel in employing these
people.
Mayor Council and Administration have raised every fee, permit and
service cost squeezing every nickel they can out of us. For example:
Our permits and safety code fees have been raised by, in some cases over
400%. This kind of change is hard to swallow. Even our dog licenses
are going up by 300% in January 2013.
Look around the community. There is only one library left
and the citizens who do not have travel access to it from Bellevue are
left without a favorite pastime they had enjoyed for many years. There
still remains the Business at Hand left by the previous council. The
Crowsnest Centre stills remains in derelict condition, River run
property is a disaster. Coal slack pile hazardous materials exposed to
the elements and an eyesore to the passerby. The car dumps and the
empty stores tell of citizens giving up and leaving the area (350 this
year alone). We have lost our oldest industrial tax base when Devon
closed the plant and moved on. Our revenue is dwindling but council
feels that they can keep on raising the fees, taxes, services and things
will keep on running, the money being squandered upon our bureaucrats
and their ideas. I resent the high franchise fees on my electricity
bill which now costs me $470.00 a year and this money from my retirement
fund is not being used wisely. Eg: $45,000 municipal donation to Rum
Runner Days, a party thrown by this community to entertain people from
Southern Alberta. For whose benefit, certainly not mine. This is
lauded as change and progress. Before you can have progress you must
have growth and that is a situation which do not have.
I have no faith in this mayor, council or bureaucratic
administration and the sad fact is that that does not matter for they
are staying the course no matter what the cost and because they have the
power and resources we are told that the Strategic plan is for our
benefit. Put up, shutup and payup. That explains the strategic plan as
it is being pushed through in a matter of three years by this council
and not spread over the ten year period it was designed for. Joseph
Stalin had a strategic plan in Russia and he referred to it as a five
year plan. If the citizens disagreed with it, or spoke out about it
then they were whisked off to a Gulag in Siberia.
The only thing lacking in this administration is the fact
that they don’t have a paid washroom attendant. They obviously are
enjoying everything else, excellent pay, excellent benefits and they
don’t even have to pay taxes as they don’t own property here. These
people have a stranglehold on the residents of this community and the
mayor and council accept and approve of the fact. They just don’t get
it. How’s that for change?
Regards
Marilyn Milley |
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Posted on November-23-12 11:29 PM
Letter of Acknowledgement that the Ratepayers Association received from the Honorable Doug Griffiths, Dated November 19th, 2012.
ALBERTA MUNICIPAL
AFFAIRS Office of
the Minister
AR65822
November 19, 2012
Mr. William Kovach Petitioners Representative
PO Box 46 Hillcrest Mines, AB T0K1C0
Dear Mr. Kovach:
Thank you for the submission of a petition,
which I received on November 1, 2012, requesting that I conduct an inquiry into
the affairs of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.
The Municipal Government Actrequires that I appoint a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the purpose of
determining the sufficiency of the petition. Attached is a copy of Ministerial
Order No. L234/12, appointing Faye Sheridan of Municipal Affairs as the CAO for
this purpose.
The CAO has 30 days from the date the petition was received to
report back to me on the sufficiency of the petition.
Once I receive this report, I will advise you of the findings.
Sincerely Doug Griffiths Minister
104
Legislature Building, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6 Canada Telephone 780-427-3744
Fax 780-422-9550
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Posted on November-23-12 11:26 PM
ALBERTA MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS Office of the Minister
MINISTERIAL ORDER NO. L:234/12
I, Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs, pursuant to Section
220 of the Municipal Government Act, make the following order:
That Ms. Faye Sheridan is appointed to carry out the duties of a
Chief Administrative Officer with respect to the petition received on
November 1, 2012, regarding the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.
Dated at Edmonton, Alberta, this 19th day of November 2012.
Doug Griffiths Minister of Municipal Affairs |
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Doreen Glavin: Posted on October-25-12 11:10 AM
FACTS
The facts about the
action item in the Community Strategic Action Plan — The Crowsnest Pass does not need 2
libraries.
The Library Board presented a
recommendation to Municipal Council in June 2011, to close the Bellevue
Library.
Council made a motion at this
meeting to accept the Board’s recommendation. Council voted 3 in favour, 3 against so the
motion was defeated. Three of the Board members handed in
letters of resignation. The following
week Municipal Council called a special meeting to have
another vote. The vote this time was unanimous to accept the Board’s recommendation
to close the Bellevue
Library.
Why did three councilors
change their minds? The Board members
were then asked to withdraw
their resignation, and they did.
The Bellevue Library was closed on June
30/2011. The Library Board did
a press release on June 3/2011 that stated “there are no plans to change
staffing”.
On August 17/2011, I
received a hand delivered letter from the Chair of the Board. “This letter
serves to confirm that my
employment with the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass Library, and all benefits,
is TERMINATED WITHOUT
CAUSE, effective August 17/2012. This
termination is considered “working notice”.
Imagine how I felt,
that in a years’ time, I would no longer be working in my profession that I had
been employed in for 20
years.
To add insult to injury the Board had provided a false press release to
the public about staffing.
Press release on August 26/2011, states, by
the Chair of the Board, “that a Library Technician is being sought for a term position.
The
Library Board hired a full time Library
Technician on October 3/2011. Her position, Senior
Library Manager of the Crowsnest Pass Library. A full time position is not a term position.
How has this action
affected the community?
Is the service
more efficient, more effective, and more cost-effective?
These questions can only be answered by the
public who are using the public service, or by the public who
are no longer using the public service.
Paid memberships were down in 2011. However, was it more cost-effective?
The Library Board is no longer maintaining two
libraries and are employing one less full time staff (approx. $28,000/year).
Fact -- The
Library Board requested an increase in budget for 2012.
The Board received $98,304.00 in 2011 from
the Municipality.
The Board requested $112,500.00 for 2012 and Municipal
Council approved this increase.
The
Crowsnest Pass Library still needs work done to make it wheelchair accessible. There will still be costs to the
taxpayer (whether through grants or more budget increases) to make the
Crowsnest Pass library wheelchair accessible. Currently there is no wheel chair access to the
basement, the bathrooms and there is no automatic door opener at the main door
of the Library.
The Library Board also
receives funding from the Provincial Government based on per capita. The amount received for 2012 was
$31,332.00.
The structure of Alberta
Library Service by the Public Library Services Branch
supports four principles for equitable public library service. Access is one of these principles and states
“Albertans have an equal right to access information regardless of economic,
social or geographic
circumstances”.
I would hope that the
Library Board is planningdon providing a book mobile service for the community knowing
that much of our population are seniors and based on the geographics of the
Crowsnest Pass.
Please note that there
is council representation on this Board so Municipal Council and administration were all aware of the changes that have taken place and the
Boards false press releases.
I did not
notice any commentary by the Municipal Council in their “As a matter of fact” report
to the community about there structuring of
public library service.
There was also no
mention about the library in the Municipality’s audit on facilities or any
mention of the library in the triennial budget.
Fact - In 2012 the Library will
serve 10% of the population at a cost of $143,832.00 to the
taxpayer (municipal and provincial funding).
These facts about
library restructuring were not mentioned in the Municipal Council’s "As a Matter
of Fact" that was submitted in
the local newspapers.
Doreen
Glavin
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Posted on October-24-12 7:48 PM
This letter was forwarded to me. I encourage more people to send similar letters, email, or call the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Honourable Doug Griffiths, about what is going on here in our community.
Dear Mr Griffiths;
It is with great concern that I am
writing to you about the high handedness of the Council, mayor and
others in power here in the Crowsnest Pass. The letting go of the
Volunteer Firemen is just the icing on the cake! There are so many
problems with this Council that I am sure you have been advised by the
Rate Payers Association and many others. I have lived in the Pass for a
number of years and always felt very proud to tell people where I am
from!
Recently, that has changed and not for the best.........
My son was
looking to buy a home in the Pass but due to all the negative happenings
and ever increasing taxes with all the spending council has done, he
proceeded to purchase a home in Pincher Creek, home prices being more
reasonable, taxes lower and most of all when he inquired about what he
could or could not do with the property he was about to purchase, was
very pleased with the answers. Everything being very positive, not like
it would have been being refused this or that which he wanted to do
with possible property in The Pass or facing large charges for permits
etc. Please take our problems seriously and help us to get control of
this Council before it is too late to recover.............
I remain, respectfully yours............
Barbara A Corkum, Blairmore,Alberta. |
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Melody Michalsky: Posted on October-23-12 5:41 PM
In Today's Pass Herald there is a Letter to the Editor from Ratepayer Melody Michalsky.
It pretty much sums up what many people in the Crowsnest Pass are thinking and feeling.
As copied directly from the Pass Herald, here it is in it's entirety:
Without respect for the members of this community you are not leading
Dear Editor:
The following letter was sent to Mayor Decoux and council.
I am a Rate Payer, a mother of a Fireman and a wife of a Fireman. Most
importantly, I am a citizen of the Crowsnest Pass. I have heard your CAO
speak on the radio and have read documentation of your responses to the
Rate Payers in your special meeting of Oct. 9, 2012. I have concerns
regarding your leadership, your vision and most importantly your
implementation of that vision.
I recognize change is difficult for everyone at every level of life. How
change is implemented is the critical element that determines how well
people accept and embrace change. You are currently under a great deal
of criticism due to the methods you have used to bring about change.
It is well known within any organization that the process by which you
bring in change is more critical than the change itself. Companies,
individuals, and governments can make wonderful changes but if not done
right will not have the backing and support of people.
Your process has left this community angry, hurt and bewildered. Your
lack of attention to a good change process has led many citizens of this
community to feel under-valued, bullied, and hurt. This is not the
fault of the citizens but of the leadership.
As I said before I am a mother and spouse to Firemen. Your CAO refers to
them as employees and due to their protest expressed justification in
sending them termination letters. He has portrayed them as
unprofessional and discredited their countless years of committed
service to this community.
I have in the past 17 years watched my family members leap out of bed in
the middle of the night, stand for hours on a roadside flagging traffic
in brutal conditions and attack structure fires. They deliver food
hampers, host activities for charities and go to schools to teach
youngsters Fire Safety. Yes, they were provided a pittance of income for
some of these efforts but in their minds they were doing it as
volunteers and the funds provided to them was of no consequence. The
pride they felt at serving their community was immense. They met each
challenge with professionalism and commitment.
Your CAO took the opportunity of a demonstration to strip them of that
pride and devalue their incredible contributions as volunteers. I found
it intriguing that the Reporter of CBC repeatedly and accurately
referred to our Firemen as Volunteers and your CAO repeatedly referred
to them as employees. This diminished their contribution and implied a
Master/Servant relationship. Despite his insistence that the Firemen
were employees the local paper now has an ad "recruiting volunteer Fire
Fighters." Where is the honesty, integrity, and ethics in our
leadership?
Members of the Pool Board have as well received termination letters. More volunteers devalued.
You speak of a master plan, moving to the future, bringing the Crowsnest
Pass into the 21st century. Is that a lofty enough goal to destroy the
community spirit in the process? Truly the end does not warrant the
means.
Your devaluation of Volunteers within this community has caused the
anger and the opposition. You cannot lead people by force. A good leader
sets out a course, engages people and encourages and supports along the
way. A good leader recognizes the strengths and contributions of those
they are leading. You, as a Mayor and Council need to learn how to lead a
change process if you want it to be successful and if you wish to
remain in a leadership role.
Lastly I must comment on your remarks that you were voted in to bring in
change. Yes, change was needed as we previously had a Council that was
very divided. You have achieved unity within Council but to agree with
each other yet not be connected to the community, what good is your
unity? Without solid communication, on going consultation, and respect
for the members of this community you are not leading.
Melody Michalsky
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Posted on October-23-12 5:33 PM
There will be a Crowsnest Pass Ratepayers Association General Public Meeting, Wednesday October 24th, in the Blairmore Legion, at 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome and strongly encouraged to attend.
Topics of discussion:
- Update on the petition
- Budget information
- Open discussion
There is power and strength in numbers
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Posted on October-19-12 7:06 PM
October 15th, 2012
Honourable Alison M. Redford, QC
Premier
Office of the Premier
Room 307
Legislature Building
10800 – 97 Avenue
Edmonton AB T5K 2B7
Dear Premier Redford:
This writing comes on behalf of the “users” of Highway #3 that is our
municipal citizenry, commercial travelers, visitors and tourists who
utilize the narrow corridor of Crowsnest Pass year round.
During the past decades use of this corridor has expanded
exponentially to a point where all who utilize the highway and those who
are located nearby fear numerous hazards such as: multiple speed zones,
abrupt turnoffs into our small communities, an adjacent high school
entry, homes less than twenty yards from the highway, wildlife
crossings, etc. Suffice it to say the problems and issues surrounding
Highway #3 have been documented in several studies completed over the
past decades by various departments of the government. With up to 10,000
vehicles daily traversing a 27 kilometer roadway we experience an
average of one death per year, numerous collisions, hundreds of animal
strikes and countless “near misses”. During peak periods residents can
wait up to twenty minutes to enter the highway and minor accidents or
roadwork can back up traffic for several kilometers.
A recent government document indicated Crowsnest Pass may become an
“iconic tourist destination”. Within the same time frame this Council
initiated “The Mayor’s Task Force on the Economy of Crowsnest Pass” and
utilizing the report in a subsequent “Community Strategic Plan”
identified tourism and light industry as major focal points. As such we
now have a new hotel, restaurant and truck stop development which will
begin in the spring of 2013. Currently we are negotiating with a light
manufacturing company to locate in our Municipality and currently we are
in discussion with a heavy industry which is investigating Crowsnest
Pass as its base. We are also pursuing other business ventures to
alleviate the pressure on our residential tax base.
Notwithstanding the current traffic, this highway in short order,
will not be able to withstand the increased tourist, commercial and
manufacturing traffic that will develop over the upcoming years and
sooner or later we will unfortunately, face a disastrous consequence.
Premier Redford, we have waited some forty years and would very much
appreciate your and this government’s commitment to rectifying a
situation which has existed for too long and which we will all regret
when a catastrophic happening occurs, as it surely will.
Sincerely,
Mayor Bruce Vernon Decoux Ph.D. Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
cc Honourable Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs
cc Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Transportation
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Posted on October-17-12 2:38 PM
Article in today's Lethbridge Herald:
Wednesday, 17 October 201202:01
May, Katie
Katie May
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
There won't be a criminal investigation after hundreds of kilograms of
explosives were found improperly stored at a Crowsnest Pass fire hall.
A federal agency was called in to remove 602 kilograms of improperly
stored fireworks from the Blairmore fire hall Tuesday. The Explosive
Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada, along with an RCMP
Explosives Disposal Unit out of Edmonton, began packing up the large
store of fireworks Tuesday morning and planned to safely dispose of
them.
A van was being loaded full of fireworks - some of them
unstable - during the process, according to Crowsnest Pass RCMP Sgt.
Keith Bott, who said the fireworks were being kept inside a storage room
in the fire hall and that there was black powder residue on the floor.
"With static electricity, that could quite easily ignite," he said.
When asked if he was concerned that the improperly stored fireworks
might present a danger to public safety, Bott said he couldn't offer an
opinion and that the police must maintain their relationship with the
fire department. The detachment will not pursue a criminal investigation, Bott said.
A representative from the Explosive Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
The fireworks were discovered last week after the municipality of the
Crowsnest Pass came under fire for dismissing Blairmore's 34-year
veteran fire station chief. Most of the community's volunteer
firefighters - more than 80 - turned in their pagers en masse in
protest, demanding the chief be reinstated.
The municipality has
refused, saying that it is working on restructuring fire and emergency
services in the area, which it says haven't changed much since before
the Crowsnest Pass communities amalgamated more than 30 years ago.
Crowsnest Pass Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson didn't respond to calls for comment.
The firefighters' discontent, which culminated in an unsuccessful
request for the resignations of mayor and council from the local Rate
Payers Association, surfaced six months after the municipality faced
criticism for cancelling Thunder in the Valley, a fireworks display
started by volunteer firefighters that had been attracting thousands to
the area each summer for 18 years.
See article here with comments:
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Posted on October-16-12 7:15 PM
Fireworks in Crowsnest Pass - CTV Lethbridge - Oct.16/12
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Posted on October-16-12 12:54 AM
As posted in the Pincher Creek Voice:
Fireworks issues in the Crowsnest Pass
RCMP Press release
Crowsnest Pass RCMP are advising that the RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit
has been requested to assist the Explosives Regulatory Division of
Canada in the removal of a large cache of fireworks from the Blairmore
Fire Hall in Crowsnest Pass Tuesday, on October 16, 2012 at 7:00 am.
The RCMP's role in this is provide expertise in the area of managing
these types of explosives and to provide safety to the public during the
extrication of the them. Transportation and destruction of the
fireworks and any investigation into the matter will be managed by the
Explosive Regulatory Division of Canada.
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Posted on October-10-12 9:56 PM
The Municipality posted the following on their Facebook page today, denying all responsibility regarding the knowledge of, purchasing of, and storage of the Fireworks that were found in the Blairmore Firehall.
The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has never
purchased high explosive fireworks nor has it sold high explosive
fireworks to Thunder in the Valley (TIV) or the Blairmore Smoke Eaters
(BSE) or the Blairmore Fire Department (BFD). Thunder in the Valley-TIV
(Blairmore Smoke Eaters-BSE) members have always ordered and purchased
high explosive fireworks for their annual event since TIV was first
started.
In 2007, TIV (BSE)
approached the Mayor and CAO to have the Municipality PAY for their
fireworks and REINVOICE the TIV (BSE) sighting the Municipality receives
100% of GST back on invoices and this saving would be passed onto TIV
(BSE).
On November 6, 2008 the Municipality issued a letter
to TIV (BSE) advising that this arrangement was not in compliance with
GST legislation and the GST on the 2007 invoices to TIV (BSE) for
fireworks was to be paid immediately to the Municipality for submission
to Revenue Canada as the fireworks were NOT a Municipal supply or
product.
Up until 2011, TIV (BSE) members have continued to
purchase all fireworks for TIV and the Municipality has paid for these
TIV (BSE) invoices. The Municipality has in turn invoiced TIV (BSE) back
- inclusive of GST as the fireworks are NOT a Municipal supply or
product. This arrangement allowed the TIV (BSE) to pay the Municipality
for their fireworks after their annual (TIV) event as opposed having to
pay a Supplier before their annual (TIV) event.
TIV (BSE)
members declared that their members are certified Pyrotechnicians who
are educated and responsible for the safe storage, handling and
functioning of fireworks and firework devices. TIV (BSE) members chose
to store these high explosive fireworks without proper containment in
the Blairmore Fire Hall without advising the Municipality of Crowsnest
Pass.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on October-10-12 1:43 AM
Let me start this Blog entry by saying that today's meeting with council and administration, was a very long winded one and my report of it, is equally as long winded. Consider yourself forewarned. :-)
Today, October 9th, 2012, at 3:00 p.m., the Executive of the Rate Payer's Association met with the Mayor, Council and some members of administration, for a "special" meeting, at the MDM building.
Those in attendance were:
Council members: the Mayor - Bruce Decoux, Andrew Saje, Larry Mitchell, Brian Gallant, Jerry Lonsbury & almost an hour late to the meeting came Emile Saindon.
Councillor Siegbert Gail was conspicuously absent.
Administration in Attendance: CAO - Myron Thompson, CFO - Marion Vanoni, Director of Protective and Community Services - Albert Headrick, the New Fire Chief - Steve Munshaw and secretary/recorder - Carolee Ison.
Executive of the Rate Payer's Association: President - Bill Kovach, Vice President & Hillcrest Representative - Larry Ruzek, Coleman Representative - Sasha JaegerBaird, Hillcrest Representative - Rudy Pagnucco, Bellevue Representative's - Gail Montgomery & Troy Clark, Blairmore/Frank Representative's - Marilyn Milley & Marlene Anctil, Secretary - Doreen Glavin & Treasurer - Elsie Linderman. Absent was Coleman Representative - Ed Strembicki.
Media in attendance were: Pass Promoter - Joni MacFarlane, Pass Herald Reporter - Lindsay Goss, CJPR - Randy Spencer, Global Television Reporter - Quinn Campbell & Alternative Media - John Prince.
The meeting was originally scheduled for 2:00 p.m. It was changed to start at 3:00 p.m. due to some council members who could not make it for the 2:00 p.m. start time. The Rate Payer's Executive arrived at 2:35 p.m. and were asked to wait in the hallway, while council and administration conversed. The Media and the Rate Payer's Executive were asked to join the room at 2:50 p.m.
The "special" meeting commenced at 2:55 p.m.
The meeting started with the Mayor asking us to agree on an end time for the meeting of 4:30 p.m. (which later was changed to accommodate the list of issues not yet covered by this time).
The Mayor stated that we would run this "special" meeting like a normal council meeting, in that we would run our statements/questions through him to other members of council and administration and visa versa.
He then turned the floor over to the Rate Payer's President Bill Kovach, who represented the Rate Payer's Executive through this meeting.
Bill started with addressing the Triennial Budget. He made the request that council scrap the Triennial Budget and go back to the way it was before. He stated that this type of budget was made for a community which is both prosperous and growing, of which we are neither.
He suggested that a new budget be drafted up for 2013 (as an annual budget). He said that this was both realistic and economically feasible and one which the community can live with.
He then stated that council should enter into a referendum of agreement to cut spending that meaning, not being allowed to raise taxes, fees, levies and service costs to balance the budget.
This request was met with a response by both Brian Gallant and Marion Vanoni.
It was explained that this kind of budget was becoming the norm everywhere and that very soon Municipal Affairs would expect every Municipality to use this kind of budget.
Brian Gallant said that it was very normal nowadays for most places to utilize a 3-5 year budget and a 5-10 year Capital Plan.
Marion explained that this type of budget was a "Living Document" and could and would be changed and updated as necessary. She said that our Strategic Plan was also a "Living Document" and it, too, could and would be changed as needed.
She went onto say that until 2007 the Crowsnest Pass has run in a deficit position. In 2007 was the first time that this Municipality could take the surplus created, to pay down that deficit. She also said that the budget would be reviewed every year and be adjusted "as we go".
Brian said this was all part of a "Long Term Plan" for the Municipality.
Next issue addressed by Bill was the budget and financial information requested by the Rate Payers Association, from Myron Thompson, way back in the beginning of August that we still, as of today, not received, even though we were told that we would have it by Mid-September.
Myron jumped right in to explain that it had been on the internet.
Bill replied that those numbers were wrong and not broken down enough.
Myron then handed Bill a large stack of papers that, according to him, are the correct and requested information. Bill told council we would go through them.
Myron then offered to sit down with the Rate Payer's Executive anytime, and go over the numbers.
It was also suggested by Myron, that the Rate Payer's Executive be there on October 22nd, when council and administration go over the upcoming budget.
Bill then addressed "Excessive Spending" and that it should be stopped. He said that effective immediately Council and administration should get rid of the consultants and redundant staff and to begin to trim the bureaucratic fat.
The Mayor, Bruce Decoux, responded to this by saying that he and council were just preparing for success. He said that they liked to look at the glass as half full, rather than half empty.
Bill brought up the increased interest rate, taxes and levies.
Jerry Lonsbury jumped in by stating very vehemently that "his" Municipal Levy has not increased much in over the last 10 years. He provided us with a breakdown of his Tax Assessment. He said that in 2002 his Municipal Tax Levy was $2,276.53 and now, in 2012, it is $2,288,14, an increase of only $11.61 in almost 10 years.
Bill responded that Jerry was pretty lucky and that many of the rest of us taxpayers are not quite so fortunate.
Bill then brought up the increased interest rate that is supposed to be now imposed on off-site levies. He said that it was not a good way to encourage new people to the community by charging them so much.
Larry Mitchell then interjected by telling us that the interest on the offsite levies is no longer in effect. (a win for us)
Myron told us that the levies have not been addressed in over 12 years. He said that they were now either inline with other similar communities or even lower.
Brian then stated that the levies are currently paid for or subsidized by us, the taxpayers. He said that council has decided to shift the burden/responsibility back on the home owner and off of the taxpayers. He indicated that we, as tax payers, should be very happy with this decision.
Bill then went on to bring up the Peace Officer Program and the added expense that this program has put upon the taxpayers. He said that it was a major concern expressed by the public. He went on to say that council should cancel or opt out of the Provincial Peace Officer Program. He said that the majority of taxpayers agree that all we need is one very efficient Bylaw Officer. We need one that just enforces bylaws not spending all the time issuing highway speeding tickets. Bill went on to say that we already have substantial and free RCMP patrolling our area and doing it efficiently as well.
He said that the Enforcement pie on the chart on the Municipal website is $810,000.00. He said that we want to know where that money is coming from. He said that Protective Services is separate and is $650,000.00.
Bruce said that he would turn it over to Marion to explain, however there were good reasons for the program and then he would address this issue again later in the meeting.
Marion responded with several operational costs and numbers. She also said that the amounts included the Agriculture Program and Animal Control. She said that tax levies were are $320,000.000 and the mill rate was $1,000,000.00.
Brian Gallant also responded as to why we have a Peace Officer Program in place. He said that it is to make this a better and safer place in which to live and attract new people and business. He said that one person can not patrol this entire community. He said that some good news is that only 2 bylaw tickets have been issued in the last month. He said that most bylaw infractions have been handled by simple communication between the Peace Officers and the person involved, without the issuing of tickets.
He said that the Peace Officer Program is a great revenue generator for the municipality. He said that other communities that have them have more than paid for themselves and made money. He cited Longview and it being know as a place you better slow down or get a ticket. He said that we could be like them, making tons of money from the tickets issued on the highway, especially on long weekends by city people speeding.
Bruce went on to state that our long standing "Peace Officer" - Bylaw Officer that we have had for years, was "illegitimate". Bruce explained to us that these fellows who did the job over the past many years, were never approved to do Peace Officer duties, even though they applied to the program. This was due to a clerical/administrative issue that was never rectified with the Provincial Government.
Bruce said that our past Bylaw Officers were doing Peace Officer duties, but only had the authority of a Bylaw Officer. As a result, most infractions that they dealt with and decisions that they made, were continuously overturned by council. Then they would quit, because they had felt that they had no authority.
Bruce said that this decision to bring in a Peace Officer Program, was a long time coming and a good one for our community. He said that by having a Peace Officer, instead of a Bylaw Officer, all complaints, issues and tickets will now be handled through the court of Queen's Bench and not the Municipality.
He went on to say that a lot of our old bylaws were wrong. They were either worded wrong or just incorrect. He said that council and administration are now in the process of updating and correcting them.
He also went on to say that as of right now, there are 280 unsightly premises on the books, that need dealing with.
He stated that "We need to clean up the community!!! We need bylaws with teeth, to clean it up."
He said that it is also a safety factor. We need good protection to attract new people to this community, but he would talk more on that topic later in the meeting.
He said that we need two Peace Officers to cover both shifts, evenings and weekends.
Albert Headrick took a turn to talk, saying that proper safety affects our quality of life. He said we need enforcement in place to ensure things are okay once we push tourism. He said that our Peace Officers compliment the local RCMP. He said that the RCMP's priority is crime, not enforcment or writing tickets. He said that the Peace Officer Program is a joint venture with the RCMP.
Marlene Anctil asked why it seems like quite often we see the two Peace Officers in the truck together, if in fact we have two of them in order to cover all shifts.
Albert replied that is could be several things. He said that it might in fact be a RCMP officer with the Peace Officer doing a ride-along. He asked why send two trucks when they can ride together? He also said that sometimes the two go out together when they have a known "problem person" to deal with. He also said that the one was still training when it comes to several things and they will go together while he is training.
The Mayor finished by saying that there are several people on a special "watch list". He said that they are known aggressive people. He said that when this happens that the Peace Officer must deal with this person, then they quite often go together. He said that this type of call "needs" two people to respond to it. He cited the recent beating of our Bylaw Officer as an example.
Bill then addressed the Fire Budget, the Firemen Walkout Protest and the firing of Fire Chief Jamie Margetek. He strongly suggested that council and administration reinstate our Voluntary Firefighters and follow their departmental budget which was realistic and cost effective. He said that this will save a bundle as it would get rid of our new Fire Chief (whom we don't need) and the cost of the paid firefighters, which has currently been implemented. He asked if we keep it the way it is today, where exactly is this money going to come from, other than from us, the already strapped taxpayer?
Albert and the new Fire Chief, Steve Munshaw, were directed to reply to this.
Albert addressed the Fire Protection Issue. He said that Fire Protection and technology have evolved and changed greatly through the years. He said that the main concerns were now structure, operational guidelines and efficiency. He said that it was extremely important that these things need to be addressed and soon. He said that the current Fire Department Chiefs do not have the time and could not be expected to deal with these issues. Therefore that is why we need a Fire chief. That this change has been along time coming and that all four Fire Departments were aware of this needing to happen. He said that nowadays it is all about due diligence.
He said that the Master Fire Plan has been in the works for awhile now. As has the Fire Station Location study. He said that this Fire Station Location Study would be good for us because it would lead to cost effectiveness, better coverage, the elimination of duplicate services and provide a better level of services. He said that the firemen knew about this. It is no surprise to them. They have been consulted and included in the process.
Steve Munshaw said that he had a meeting with several of the firefighters on Sunday. He said that communication has been restarted with them and many of them are on board with the new structure, contrary to what is being said around the community.
Albert jumped back in to say that with the new program the firemen will be providing better service than what we have now.
Brian Gallant went on to say he has nothing against the current firemen. He stated that he respects them and thinks that they do a good job, but not the best job that they could potentially do. He said that they they need more training to be better. That they are not up to the current standards. They are the same today that they have been for a very long time. They need to move forward and get the proper training.
Albert said that when he sits down with the firemen, to go over the New Master Fire Plan, he would like to include the Rate Payer's Executive in that discussion.
Andrew Saje then asked what the budget was from the voluntary firefighters. He directed this question to administration.
Marion said that she did not have their figures and went on to change the subject. She asked the question about whether we really need an aerial ladder, if we need a new one or could we buy a good used one, in fact why do we even need to buy on at all??
Marilyn echoed this question and asked about the the platform that the Municipality currently has.
Albert said that we already have a 1976 King 80 foot platform, but it is not insurance worthy. He also addressed buying a used one, stating that we get what we pay for. If we buy a $250,000.00 used one, then we will have $250,000.00 worth of other people old problems. He said that a new one would run over a million dollars. He went on to say that the best idea was getting one through a joint purchase with another Municipality. This way they can buy in bulk saving much money and maybe even getting a new one for $500,00.00 - $600,000.00 instead of a new one for over $1,000,000.00. He then went on to ask, do we even need one? Do we even have the water capacity for one? He says that currently they are doing an equipment review.
Brian told us that Fire Department costs have not gone up as we think they have. He said that instead the amounts in the past have not be allocated into the right budget. The Municipality has currently allocated $225,00.00 this year and $225,000.00 next year, for a quint, but will not be able to buy one for this price. He said that we also have to replace our fire equipment. He stated that our fire fighters are under-trained and need to meet current standards.
Bill asked who is it that says that we need to replace the current equipment?
Myron then told us that even if we looked into a used quint we would have to set aside $225,000.00 this year and an additional $225,000.00 next year. He also said that we would still be in a situation where we would need to borrow the money for one.
Andrew asked if the information would be in the budget at the end of the month.
Brian said that everything was being paid for, but in different budgets. He said that now they are all under one budget. He said it only looks like a lot more money.
Albert was then asked by Marilyn Milley, with his 37 years experience of firefighting, why he did not apply for the position of Fire Chief? And also could our
voluntary fire chief could report directly to him?
Albert very strongly went on to say that we need a full time Fire Chief!!!! He said that it has been in the plans for many years. He stated that it is all very complicated. He says that everyone needs a life outside of their work position. He said that many things need to be done. He said that with his current position, he is too busy to deal with fire protection full time, andthat he was responsible to so many
other facilities and departments that he just didn't have time. He again stated that we need a full time Fire Chief to do all of these things that need doing!!
Myron said that there was to be many new things implemented regarding fire protection, such as public awareness and education and in house training to save costs, that the new Fire Chief would be doing.
Bill asked Steve Munshaw if he was certified to be a fire inspector. Steve replied that he pretty much had everything that he would need except that he has to apply for the license and take an exam.
The next subject that Bill brought up was the Chinook Pipeline's Lawsuit. He asked if the Municipality loses the lawsuit, where will the money come from to pay for it?
Bruce addressed that topic. He stated that "We will NOT lose it!!"
He went on to say "However, if we do, the Municipality's insurance will cover it".
Brian jumped in, saying that in his experience and judgement, the Municipality is NOT in the wrong!!
Bill then addressed the Devon Gas Plant Closure Issue. He asked if council has considered the cost replacement method (new tax base) now that the Municipality has lost Devon. Where will that tax base come from??? What will offset the loss??
Mayor Bruce replied. He again brought up the new light manufacturing plant that is expected to make the Crowsnest Pass its new home. He said that it will employ 70 people once it is up and running but abut 30 people to start. He said that we are the company's first choice for location. He went on to say that the only thing stopping it from moving ahead, at the current time, is an issue with how to put clean hot water back into the environment properly. He said that this business is trying hard to overcome this problem.
Bill addressed the River Run issue.
Bruce replied. He said that currently there are 285 lots coming back to the municipality and will be put out for public auction. However, the Municipality wants to sell the lots as a package and needs permission from the courts in order to do so. He said that we are waiting for an answer back and should have one by March of 2013. They want to attract another developer, that is why they want to sell the lots as a package, however they want to make sure it is done properly this time.
Bill brought up what are the plans for the Crowsnest Center?
The Mayor also responded to this one. He said that we are down to the last few legal problems. He said that the lawyer's have been working hard to make sure that everything is correct so that we don't have another River Run problem on our hands. He said that the Municipality is being very careful. He did go on to say that it will be done within the next two weeks. He said that the company that plans on developing where the old hospital is, wants to hold a session with the residents of the Crowsnest Pass, in order to get the publics input. Bruce expects to have some progress made by Christmas or by next spring at the latest.
Bill then brought up the Unsightly Premises Bylaw. Bruce told us that currently the Peace Officers are dealing with Traffic Issues, but it will balance out over time.
He said that once things have fallen into place, the Peace Officers will divide their time to 1/3 bylaw, 1/3 education and 1/3 traffic.
He stated that the current bylaws need redrafting.
Myron then jumped in to tell us that council and administration is currently going over the bylaws and making the final decisions and revisions.
Bruce stated that "We want to be prepared!!! We see the glass as half full!!"
He said that the Government has identified the Crowsnest Pass as a future iconic area and that this is very good news for us.
He then told us that there are "two" very BIG, heavy industries that have contacted the Municipality and are considering coming here. He said that one of them will employ as many as 700 people or more. He said that the Crowsnest Pass may very well become the next Fort McMurray (but not near on such a big scale). He said that our council is just preparing for this future and we will appreciate all the steps that this council has currently taken and that it will all make sense, once that time comes.
Bill then asked the council members if they were happy with council's direction and what has transpired by them. He asked if they could respond individually.
Jerry had his say first. He stated that he was extremely happy with how council was moving forward. He then stated that that much of what is currently going on within the community and on Facebook is just rumors. That he is tired of it and that people need to stop starting and spreading these rumors. They need to deal in facts.
The Mayor said that they can come to him, or any of the council or administration, for the facts, anytime!!!
Marlene Anctil stated that many people are intimidated by council and the mayor, that they are unapproachable.
Brian disagreed and said that many many people come to him all the time and he make the time for them. He said that he gets a lot of great feedback. People are constantly telling him that he should stick to his guns!! He told us that there are quite a few people that agree totally with council and what they are doing. However, they tell him that they and are afraid to speak up, for fear of being bullied by others within the community.
Emile jumped in and said that he can count on one hand how many people have approached him since he has got in on council. He says that he can walk down he streets and no one comes near him. He wishes that they would come to him. He said that he works at the landfill and his door is always open.
Bruce acknowledged that maybe Gail was right that council, including the Mayor, can seem a bit stand-offish and that maybe they need to work on that.
Larry Mitchell said that "We need to move ahead, not look behind us".
Andrew Saje asked why the Rate Payers Association even exists? What was it reactivated? Why with this council? He suspects that it has to do with the lines of communication, between members of the community and council/administration. Andrew suggested that maybe we are not getting the information that we need.
Emile's comments were: "I do my research!! I do NOT speak out of turn. I get my information first."
He went on to say: "This council has done a lot of hard work. Everyone has done work in their areas of expertise. Council has worked together. The direction we are going is the direction we need to go!!"
As the councilor's finished, Bill then made his final point.
He told council that this community has seen no visible improvement since this council took over the reigns and it appears as though nothing will change, cost increases or not, because the profit from the increases are being totally wasted on projects and consultants that are going nowhere. He went on to say that the Strategic Plan which was to extend over a period of 10 years is being implemented in a community that the Plan was not intended for. He stated that it was intended for a successful and prosperous community of which we are not. He went on to say that in order to prosper, a community must have growth and anyone can see that we are stagnating and declining at a rapid rate and can ill afford to create the utopia suggested by the Mayor and his Strategic Plan.
Somehow then we got talking about protocols and policies.
Marion stated that there are new stringent protocols in place. All policies have to come before a Policy Committee. Then it has to have a wording developed and then back to the Policy Committee. Then it is presented to council. It might be thrown back to the Policy Committee for more work and then onto the G & P. ....
At this point, she was trying to tell us more, but Myron placed his hand on her knee under the table and she stopped talking.
It was brought up about the communication within the Municipality and their way of advertising and announcing issues & events. The Mayor said that they were doing it properly and soon most communities would be doing it the same way that we were doing it. He stated that newspaper advertising was going the way of the dinosaur. He said that it was just too bad that the newspapers had a problem with it, but it was the way of the future.
He stated that the Municipality's website provides the minutes of all meeting's, the morning after a meeting is held.
It was brought up by Bill that some things are not very clear. They are too vague.
Bruce made a note of that.
He said that when it comes to advertising and announcements, we actually have overkill, with how we inform the public.
He said that everywhere is now moving everything to the web, that we might as well get used to it!!
It was mentioned that this community is made up of many people including many senior's who do not own computer's or can not use one. Therefore they can not access this online information. They rely on the newspapers as a source for their information.
When the Mayor was asked about the swimming pool board and those volunteers, and if there was any truth to the rumor about them being "let go", Bruce very adamantly stated that this was the first that he heard of this new rumor. He then looked at Myron and said that he would have to "look into it". He also said the he doubted that it was any more than an ugly rumor.
We inquired about the ski hill. We were told that chair lifts and a few other things were planned for it to make it more viable and attractive to visitors, as a place to come and ski. Bruce then told us that all of this has been part of a plan that he has been in talks with Teck and Telus about. He said that there are no plans to shut it down.
After that there were a few random comments and then closing remarks by Bill.
He asked that council adhere to our requests or we are asking them to step down and resign from their positions. He said that we were still holding our meeting on Thursday night and will be circulating a petition to get Municipal Affairs to look into our council's spending.
Bruce warned us that we might want to do our homework first, because we may not want to go down that road.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
If I missed anything, I am sorry. I tried to be as thorough as possible.
I can tell you this, I wish I could be inside their heads, and privy to the secret looks that were being shot back and forth between our Mayor and the CAO.
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Posted on October-09-12 8:25 PM
Crownest Pass MD Meeting - CTV Lethbridge News Story - Oct.09/12
See News Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFmglvPh03c&feature=youtu.be
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on September-06-12 10:59 PM
Crowsnest Pass Branding Survey
The Municipality of the Crowsnest Pass has put a survey online, for the residents to fill out.
They are asking for input from we, the people of this beautiful mountain community.
They say that our input is important, as part of the development of the brand for Crowsnest Pass, in order that itreflects the needs and values as well as economic opportunities and priorities of the entire community.
You can find the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YXHXPZQ
One really wonders how much of our input they will really take into consideration, especially considering how much lack of attention they have paid to our voices and concerns up to now.
Seems like it is just a formality and may be a way to garnish some of the already lost support back from the community. An election is only just over a year away. Has campaigning already started?
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Posted on September-04-12 10:52 PM
My thoughts on council over spending Given
the performance of council over the past 18 months it is time to address the
issue of overspending. One can
understand that some costs have to go up but they should be kept in line with
the rate of inflation not impose 6% cost in our electrical distribution, a
significant increase in fees, permits, fines, offset levies, taxes and service
costs to the point that these increases become a cash cow to enable council to
balance their overspent budget figures.
Never once have any of them considered just what these increases are
doing to our residents especially those on a fixed income. Many of them live in fear that they will lose
their homes. Consider the 1.123 million
dollars spent on hiring high paying consultants and outsourcing service
contractors. Most people will admit that
costs do increase but if they are held at the inflationary rate and not
squandered upon wants instead of needs within our community then perhaps we can
live with responsible increases. Given
that this community has at least 180 homes for sale, and that we have a
dwindling population and dwindling tax base, how are we expected to absorb the
further tax burden left when these people move away?
The
council must consider their direction they are attempting to take us. We are not Calgary residents expecting the
same amenities they enjoy and we can only enjoy what we can afford. Council will have to go back to the table and
begin revisions to their 3 year budget which is one of the worst concepts that
they have put into place. They haven’t
been able to stay within the 2.5% increase this year let alone spend an
additional million dollars each consecutive year and expect us to absorb it
all. A well known American senator gave
a very enlightening speech in congress when the mortgage companies Fanny Mae
and Freddy mac were bankrupt and the banks were collapsing said, “That this
kind of spending only results in their businesses “hitting the wall” with
nowhere else to go.
The
mind set for council to do some damage control is to base their policies and
revisions on a community need basis and not a community want basis. This must be accomplished within a short
frame of time and hopefully we will be able to turn our economy around but we
cannot and must not be forced to continue on the downward spiral.
If
council will consent to a referendum of agreement to cut spending, the
conditions being that if they are going to be over budget they cannot raise
taxes, fees, permits, service costs, utilities etc. in order to balance the
budget but they MUST CUT SERVICES to bring costs back in line. This is now being practiced by our provincial
government as well as the Federal
Conservative Party. You cannot bring in
$1000 and turn around and spend $1500. A
big issue under the overspending umbrella is the Peace Officer program which
has been implemented by council and administration which when first presented
by Mayor Decoux that according to the solicitor general’s office a peace
officer could be appointed at no cost to the taxpayer. Well that is the biggest falsehood issued to
date. We have already spent $140,000
dollars to outfit two enforcement vehicles containing all the bells and
whistles that make them operational for service for example in Harlem New
York. If we don’t have to pay their salaries
then the fines they issue to us (the money being taken out of our left pocket)
will pay for them and those of us who don’t get fined will still have to pay
them out of our right pocket through our taxes.
It definitely is not a win, win, situation for the residents. Consider that they don’t recoup their
salaries we will spend at least $250,000 the first year alone that they are
operating within our community. Add two
peace officers to the RCMP 9 member detachment means that we have law
enforcement for approximately 500 people per officer. I don’t know about anyone else but I consider
this as overkill. All we require in this
community is a qualified, responsible, intelligent, common sense by law officer
who will do just that. Enforce our
bylaws. Oh an afterthought…now and then
the Sheriffs come to town to do their road stop checks. The RCMP have been enforcing the laws both
federal and provincial for many years and as we have no drive by shootings, no
gang wars, murders, and riots to contend with they have done an ample job of
keeping the peace.
Council
should take a look at their track record and face the reality that they are not
working in our best interests and seem to have established themselves as an
elite group who do not have to report to anyone. They work for us, which seems to have been
forgotten and they must work within the parameters set by the population.
We
have no input whatsoever into decision making especially if it concerns a large
expenditure, (usually a ¼ or ½ a million dollars) and we don’t know the money
has been spent until it is already a done deal and the equipment or policy is
already delivered.
We
must establish a two way line of communication between the council and the
taxpayer or we will find ourselves at the Chapter eleven door if we continue on
this roller coaster spending spree.
- We
are asking for responsible fiscal government,
- Government
Transparency (keep us in the loop before decisions are made)
- A
workable two way communication with the taxpayer and council
- Revisions
to our budget that will bring taxes back in line with reality.
Marilyn Milley
Endorsed by the Crowsnest Pass
Ratepayers Association |
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Posted on September-03-12 7:57 PM
Press Release
Crowsnest Pass Rate Payers Association
William
Kovach, President of the Crowsnest Pass Ratepayers Association is very
pleased to provide an update on the progress of the Association. What
began back in June has a number of taxpayers getting together and
voicing numerous concerns about the direction our community is heading.
In a few busy months of public meetings being held in each community, to
determine if there was interest in revitalizing the Ratepayers
Association and hearing the concerns of the ratepayers it was
determined very quickly that the public is very interested in having a
Ratepayers organization in place.
The decision was made to move forward
to elect an executive comprised of residents from all areas of the
Crowsnest Pass. President William Kovach is very pleased to announce
that the Association has in a very short time frame already signed up
over four hundred members. He encourages anyone interested in joining
the organization to contact any of the following executive board members
(Cost of $5).
William Kovach 564-4709 Gail Montgomery 564-4077 Troy Clark 563 0381 Sasha JaegerBaird 563 6073 Ed Strembecki 564-0184 Marilyn Milley 562-2719 Marlene Anctil 562-8180 Larry Ruzek 564 4384 Rudy Pagnucco 562-8147
In line with the concerns raised by ratepayers at those meetings the
executive created a mission statement for the organization one that
states the following:
“The Association monitors municipal
decisions to ensure that responsible and accountable governance is
being provided for the people of the Crowsnest Pass."
The
Ratepayers Association wishes to achieve these goals by working in
cooperation with the municipal administration and council. To that end
the Association has requested the following, a meeting with council and
administration to introduce themselves and share the goals of the group
(August 21, G+P meeting). A request for information from the CAO,
regarding the concerns raised by the taxpayers at the public meeting
(Taxation, spending, hiring, use of consultants etc) . The vast majority
of which should be readily available as it is contained in the
triennial budget put in place by council several months back.
Additionally President Kovach would like to announce that to keep the
public better informed of how the ratepayers efforts are proceeding, the
group will very shortly have it’s own Facebook page, they will also be
holding their next executive board meeting September 20 at 7pm in the
basement of the Coleman Legion. All members or prospective members are
more than welcome to attend.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on July-27-12 10:41 PM
Tough to Swallow: Meals That Sparked a Seniors Revolt
Have you seen this video created by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees?
In Alberta's long term care home's, seniors are eating from a new menu. The reviews are in - It's awful! Absolutely Dreadful.
Some have described the food as being unappetizing, tasteless, inedible, has a strange consistency or no texture at all. Some have described it as being like dog food.
The program was created by the Alberta Health Services (AHS) for senior's in Alberta's long term care facilities. It affects primarily seniors in rural Alberta. The theory was to standardize the food supply.
The Provincial 21-day Menu was implemented in December 2009. The idea was to create on standard menu at approximately 78 Hospitals and Nursing Homes, with fewer than 125 beds. Many employee's jobs became redundant with the implementation of the new menu.
Professionals in the Health Care and Food Industry have said that the food can not possibly be healthy, as it is not fresh, nor is it grown locally.
The food is bought in bulk and shipped in from other provinces and the United States. It's been pre-boiled
and prepackaged. Most of the vitamins and minerals have been boiled out
of it. The meats have been prepackaged for up to 70 days. A lot of the prepackaged food is said to be fresh not frozen, so it must be heavy with preservatives. It leaves many people questioning it's nutritional value. Much of it has been frozen and reconstituted on site.
Since the program has been in place, the staff at these residences have seen an increase in urinary tract infections, wounds not healing as fast, and in general people not coming to eat meals.
Well, since this video was released, many more people have stepped forward with their complaints.
The 15-minute mini-documentary interviews residents, family members,
nurses and a food critic, all of whom decry the quality of food in the
facilities.
Well, this week something was finally done about it.
Alberta seniors and caregivers who protested the “shameful” and
“appalling” food served at provincial long-term care facilities have won
the right to home-cooked meals.
Health Minister Fred Horne
announced Thursday the 2,700 seniors who live in Alberta’s 73
provincially run long-term care facilities will be getting meals made
on-site come December.
The promise comes nearly two months after the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees released a short documentary
detailing the “terrible,” “inedible” and “dreadful” food served in the
facilities. The documentary has since been viewed online more than
17,000 times.
Horne said he has issued a ministerial directive to
Alberta Health Services, ordering them to switch from centralized
production of standardized meals to on-site food preparation and cooking
that respects both nutritional needs and cultural diversity.
AHS executive vice-president Chris Mazurkewich said Thursday, the
superboard has adopted a new nutrition and food services plan called
“Closer to Home.”
“Our commitment is that we would like to have a
homelike environment for meals in our long-term care facilities. I’m
interested in how we get there,” Mazurkewich said.
Under the terms of the ministerial directive, the superboard must
present Horne with a plan by Oct. 1, and the changes must be implemented
across the province by Dec. 1.
Finally, a positive measure being taken by our Government to correct an obviously wrong course of action!!!!
The people have spoken, and our Government has had no choice but to listen.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on July-24-12 7:50 PM
On Thursday July 19th, the members of the Crowsnest Pass Ratepayers Association elected their new executive board.
 The newly elected executive are as follows:
President: Bill Kovach
The Board representing:
Hillcrest: Rudy Pagnucco & Larry Ruzek
Bellevue: Gail Montgomery & Troy Clark
Blairmore/Frank: Marilyn Milley & Marlene Anctil
Coleman: Sasha JaegerBaird & Ed Strembicki
Congratulations to everyone. I look forward to working with all of you.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on July-04-12 10:31 PM
Well, I'm not sure if the Blairmore Fire Department is making an official statement, or not. But as of Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, reported in both papers, (the Pass Herald and the Crowsnest Promoter) the Blairmore Fire Department is officially selling their new and most likely last ever, T-shirts for Thunder in the Valley.
These limited edition T-shirts depict a larger than life, dark, foreboding man stomping on (or crushing - open to interpretation here) the grave of Thunder in the Valley. A hand reaches from the grave holding unlit fireworks. The hand very obviously belongs to a buried fireman wearing a Fire Department hat.
Also open to interpretation are seven dark ominous figures, in the background, wearing gangster hats. A lynch mob perhaps? Some could say that they look more like tombstones, with gangster hats sitting on top of them. Either way, this scene conjures up a dark and sinister image of the death of an era.
Could this man in the picture be our mayor? Could the seven dark figures be our six members of council, CAO and/or Interim Manager of Enforcement Services??
Only the Fire Department knows for sure. I'm sure they are happy with whatever rendition we, the general populace, wish it to be.
According to the papers, the T-shirts are on sale at Sears in Blairmore and in Coleman at the Crowsnest Museum. The T-shirts are $20.00 and the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will be donated to help the Crowsnest Museum. A very worthy cause, if you ask me.
In the Pass Herald's's article, the Blairmore Fire Department decided upon the T-shirts, after the huge public response and outcry, due to the cancellation of Thunder in the Valley.
Apparently hundreds of emails and phone calls from locals and strangers alike, prompted the creation of this limited edition T-shirt, in memory of Thunder in the Valley. A spokesperson was quoted as saying: "It is metaphorical to the death of Thunder in the Valley. Fireworks are dead!!"
Thunder in the Valley is a family event put on by the local Fire Department. It started as a way to thank the local people for all their many years of support. It continued to gain momentum and popularity, through the years. Thunder in the Valley brought in tens of thousands of people to the Crowsnest Pass from all over the world. People looked forward, every year, to the event. Many people planned their whole summer around their coming for Thunder in the Valley. Locals had their households filled to capacity, with family members and friends, who came just to see the annual fireworks show.
The Blairmore Fire Department has expressed concerns and disappointment toward the cancellation of the Thunder in the Valley, an event that has taken place for the past 18 years.
They expressed their disappointment, in an announcement on the Official Thunder in the Valley website, when the decision was made by council in March of this year. You can read it here: http://thunderinthevalley.ca/
The Herald reported that the T-shirts are in limited quantity and will most likely be the last t-shirts that the Blairmore Fire Department will make.
So what does this mean for the future of Thunder in the Valley?? Well, with the statement that these will most likely be the last t-shirts that the Blairmore Fire Department ever make, I think that too, is open to interpretation. Or maybe it just shouts loud and clear, that they want nothing more to do with it any more. Especially after how they were treated by council. After all, who can blame really them??
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Sasha Jaegerbaird: Posted on June-20-12 7:29 PM
If you are a resident of the Crowsnest Pass and have something to say about how the Mayor and council has been governing this community since being elected, in October of 2010, then now is the time to come out and have your say.
A Town Hall Meeting is planned for this Thursday (tomorrow) June 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Are you happy with the direction that things are going? Do you support our elected official's decisions? Or do you think that they are completely out-to-lunch?? Is council's spending in line with what you expected? Or do you think we are being taxed to death? Just where are our tax dollars going?? Does the Crowsnest Pass have anything to show for it??
Come out tomorrow, in support, or not, of our Mayor and councilmen. Tell them what you think and how you feel about the job that they have been doing for us?
Town Hall Meeting - Thursday June 21, 2012
Council extends an invitation
to the Public to attend a Town Hall Meeting, Thursday, June 21st at 6:30
pm at the Elks Hall.
Located at 2025 – 129 Street Blairmore.
Beef on a
Bun will be served prior to the meeting in the Elks Hall parking lot
commencing at 5:00 pm.
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on November-02-10 8:36 PM
Well, I guess I am just as guilty of having nothing to say lately.... There really isn't a lot to say about our new council yet. They were sworn in last week. Committee Appointments have been made. The first regular council meeting was tonight. I have been just sitting back watching and letting the new council settle into their respective roles. As we all know, everything happens in it's own time. Here are the 2010 - 2011 Council Committee Appointments - AAMDC - Mayor Decoux Affordable Housing - Councillor Gallant Agricultural Services Board - Councillor Saindon Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance - Mayor Decoux Assessment Appeal - Councillors Gallant, Lonsbury, Gail (2011 if no regional board in place) CN/PC Waste Management - Councillors Gail, Lonsbury, Gallant CNP Senior Housing - Councillors Gail, Lonsbury Crowsnest Advisory Ad-hoc Action Committee - Councillors Gail, Lonsbury, Gallant Culture and Recreation - Councillor Saje Family & Community Support Services - Councillor Lonsbury Governance & Priorities Committee - All Library & C.A.R.L.S. - Councillor Saindon* Management Negotiating Committee - Councillor Mitchell, Mayor Decoux Mayors & Reeves - Mayor Decoux Municipal Heritage Board - Councillor Gallant Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) - Councillors Mitchell, Lonsbury * Protective Services - Councillor Mitchell Ski Hill Authority - Councillor Saje Snowmobile/Trails - Councillor Saje Spray Lakes Public Advisory Committee - Councillor Saindon Subdivision & Development Appeal - Councillor Gallant* Subdivision & Development Authority - Councillors Saje, Mitchell * MAYOR IS EX OFFICIO ON ALL BOARDS & COMMITTEES EXCEPT DESIGNATED (*) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Old Bellevue Cemetery clean-up happened last Saturday. There were just four of us there. I was a little disappointed that more people didn't care enough to show up. There was a lot to do. The trees that were over-hanging the grave sites and fallen down, were pruned and branches taken down. (Thank you - Brian Gallant, for that) The branches were then moved and piled into one spot for later disposal. (Thank you to Brian, Guy Baird and Cassidy Gustavson, for that) The strange piles of dirt, that were scattered everywhere, were raked out and levelled to the ground. (A BIG thanks to Cassidy for doing a lot of that back-breaking work) Beer cans, bottles and broken glass were picked up and disposed of. There are still many piles of horse crap everywhere. This is both disgusting and disgraceful. How could anyone let their horses graze there. It is a sacred place. A place that should denote respect. Shame on whoever has let this atrocity happen. You should be made to clean it all up!! We ran out of steam and time, or we would have cleaned up the horse mess ourselves. The cemetery is actually quite large and it would have taken a whole team of many more people, than what we actually had, and an entire day, to do everything that needed to be done. Plans are to go back and finish, as time and weather permits. We are still waiting to hear who is directly responsible for the upkeep and repair of this Old Bellevue cemetery. Several people have been notified of the condition of it, and have promised to pass the issue along to the right people. In the mean time, we will still do what we can to finish cleaning it up. Anyone still wishing to help or provide their services, can contact me, or can go out their themselves and do some of the work. Good Samaritans are always appreciated. Things that still need to be done: - Horse droppings need to be cleaned up and removed.
- Still some piles of dirt need to be spread and levelled.
- Refuse pile needs to be hauled away.
- Main gate needs to be fixed - top set of hinges is broken.
- Numerous other fences need repairing.
- Several headstones need replacing and repairing.
- Over-all entire ground needs to be levelled and lower spots need to be raised up, to prevent further flooding.
- Sunken sites need to be raised up, to level of the rest surrounding ground.
- It would be nice to see a couple of benches put out there.
Well, that is the update for today. Stay tuned for more. |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on October-25-10 8:44 PM
Funny thing.... Now that the campaigning is over, and everyone has either vented their frustration in various ways or conceded graciously, on their respective blogs, everything seems to have gone pretty much silent. I have been following the individual candidates, on their blogs, since the election began. Everyone had plenty to say when they were campaigning. They complained about everything, from the state of things here in the Pass, and how bad the last council ran things, to how they would fix things, better than any previous council. Some even had some great ideas!! Ideas, I believe, that should be considered. Ideas that, just because that certain candidate didn't get elected, are still valid and promising. But the silence since the election, is deafening. Nobody seems to have anything more to say. It's almost like: "Okay, I didn't win, so why should I bother anymore??" That is SO the wrong attitude. This is the time when you should be trying harder!! Your ideas were valid then, they are still valid now. Listen up council candidates: We still need your help. Your input. Your thoughts and your ideas. These are the things that will help the Crowsnest Pass grow and flourish. We need people to stay involved. Our community is based on it's volunteers and the generousity and help of other's. Don't be discouraged just because you didn't win. If you continue to bring forth those ideas, you still win. The whole community wins. The next three years are going to be hard years for the new council. Rome wasn't built in a day. It most certainly didn't take a day to tear down and build back up again either. Everything takes time. Even fixing the current condition of the Pass. In fact, I hope that the voters don't expect the newly elected council to "fix" the woes of the Crowsnest Pass, overnight. Give them time. They have three years to locate and start to fix the problems, implement new ideas, and try to get us headed in a positive direction. I believe, that if the people who were willing to step forward and put their names forth, to run in the election, still try to help out in their various ways, then things will move forward faster and easier for the new council. If these same candidates put a fraction of the time, that they were willing to do, when they thought they might get elected, to help out around our community, then I believe that things will, in fact, look very good for the future of the Crowsnest Pass. So..... Where did you go??? What happened to you??? Does that mean that nobody has anything to say or contribute, anymore?? I wrote a Blog, a few night's ago, about an issue that one lady had, who I had encountered during the election process. It was a small issue, but an important one. It was important to her, but should have been just as important to many of us. It was an issue about something that should have been simple to correct. In fact, a few volunteers and a few man hours, here and there, and it would become a non-issue. It was a community issue. As a community, we should have stepped up to the plate and done something about it. I offered to organize it. I said I would do what I could to get the issue addressed. I asked for people to contact me. I asked for the good people, of the beautiful place we call home, to give a little of their time and help out. I posted about it on here, on Facebook, on other candidate's Blogs and even emailed people that I knew. I even went to far as to send out an email to all of the council candidates (elected and not elected) asking for their help, time, expertise or input with this issue. So what happened?? I got one reply. ONE!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?!?! I don't mind telling you who it was either. It was Brian Gallant. Thank you Brian!! You truly are a good man. Brian offered to come out, spend some time and bring some of his tools, to try to help fix this issue. He thought that we may be able to get some other's to come out too. I though that more would contact me or him in the mean time. Well, guess what?!?! We were wrong!!! Nobody!! Nothing!! Not one single soul. So I ask you now.... Is this just more of the same apathy that we seem famous for?? A non-caring, someone else will do it, not me attitude, that seems to plague us here in the Pass. I hang my head in shame. Shame for the people who don't seem to care enough to step forward!! So, now that you have heard about the issue again, what are you going to do about it?? I'm still up for organizing it and going out to do it. But we need more than just two people. One, a very busy newly elected councillor and one, a middle-aged, out-of-shape and over-weight busy mom. We are only two people and can only do so much with our time and physical limitations. I can only hope that reiterating this again, this may inspire some to get a hold of me, including the council candidates. I hope that it will also prompt the very same candidates to bring those wonderful ideas, thoughts and suggestions forth, that they had during the election process. Personally, I have lots of ideas. Many of these ideas, a lot of people thought were very good ideas. I plan on trying to get as many of these ideas, as I can, into being more than just ideas. Look forward to hearing more from me, over the next three years!!! |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on October-08-10 7:56 PM
Hello. I am sorry. I would have answered you in an email, as you requested, but you did not leave your email in your message. Therefore I will answer you here, and hope that you get a chance to read it. The message and question's asked were: The Crowsnest Pass has potential, and so far there has not been many councillors who seem to understand that this is true and that a big part of this is the youth and younger generations of the area. What is your position on this and what do you believe should happen and be established in the Pass for youth and to attract more people to come or stay in the area? Also, we need a community centre where weddings, events, clubs and other things can be held! What will you do about getting a NEW place for this to happen? I have been very vocal about my feeling's on this. I believe that there are several very realistic steps that need to be taken to ensure the future of the Crowsnest Pass. The first idea - Affordable Housing. We need to encourage young families to move here and raise their families. We need to have affordable housing. Without affordable housing, people can not hope to get their heads above water and see a future in this beautiful Crowsnest Pass. Affordable housing is imperative to their continued existence here. I have a plan that involves affordable subsidized housing. Look to the example Calgary and so many other places have done. One way can be to build multi-family housing. For example: town homes, condominiums or row housing, that is rent and occupant controlled by the Municipality. There a couple of ways to create this housing. First, find an architect to design this housing. If we can find one who will do this as a donation, all the better. Making sure that he designs one, two and three bedroom places. Then the Municipality donates, or for a small deposit (or other such idea: grants, donations through private business, etc.), the land on which to build this housing. I can personally think of several places of Municipality land on which to use to build this housing. Then, together with a builder (or even the community, as a whole), begin to create this haven for low income people. Some of these such places in Canada and the United States are incredible creations of modern design and amenities. In fact, if we approach this idea with getting the whole community involved, then it will give everyone a sense of belonging. Kind of like Habitat for Humanity. Then once finished, the places are rented out at a fair market rental amount, controlled by the Municipality. Everyone who applies is decided upon a case by case basis, taking into consideration their immediate need, situation, income and expenses. In fact, the municipality could offer some, many or all of them on a rent-to-own basis. This is just one of several ideas to solve this housing issue. If I am elected, I will do my best to see that something such as this, is more than just an idea on paper. Second idea - a Public Recreation Centre. We need to make the Crowsnest Pass a more child and teen friendly community. One way to do this would be to have a Public Recreation Centre. We need to have a place for our children and the children of our future to hang out and do constructive things. What kind of place would this be? What kind of facilities would it have in it? Well, for starters, it would have an indoor pool. We so desperately need this! This could be used all year round. As well, we could amalgamate all the other interesting sports and recreational activities into this one facility. We could even put some of the adult activities there. It could be a facility with meeting rooms, new clubs to sign up for and participate in, an indoor rock climbing wall, a place for teens and tweens to hang out in a safe supervised environment and many, many other ideas We need a place for our bored and restless children to entertain themselves. We need to know that they are in a safe environment. We need to know where they are and they are not out getting into trouble. This centre could have a teen game room. It could be governed by a teen council. In this room there could be a couple of pool tables, video game's, pinball machine's and maybe a couple of computer terminals. Once or twice a month the council could organize teen dances or events. This centre could also have several meeting and conference rooms. They could be used for such things as weddings, anniversary parties, conferences, dances, and other community events. The Pass needs a future and our children are it. We need to listen to what our children are telling us, what they are asking for. They are demanding this type of place. If we listen to them and provide such a place, then maybe, just maybe they will move back here once they are finished with their secondary education. Maybe they will think it is a fine place to raise a family and stay here or move back here. Maybe, just maybe they will know that there is a place that their children can go to and feel safe, cared for and respected. I want to say one last thing about a Public Recreation Centre: Recreation builds strong families and healthy communities. Families that play together, stay together. Recreation provides safe developmental opportunities for children. Recreation, sports, arts and culture produce leaders who serve their communities in many ways. Recreation, sports, arts and culture build social skills and stimulate participation in community life. Recreation is often the catalyst that builds strong, self-sufficient communities (ie: sport groups, arts guilds). Art and culture helps people understand their neighbors, their history and their environment. Recreation and arts/culture build pride in a community. Recreation is a good thing. We should be putting it as a number one priority. Time to listen and look to the future. Currently this idea is in the Crowsnest Pass Strategic Plan. If elected, I will do what I can to see that ground is broken on this Recreation Centre. The third and final point that I want to discuss is Busing/Public Transportation. We live in a community with unique physical characteristics and unusual weather patterns. It is spread over a great distance. Expecting our children to walk to school in below freezing weather, through several foot high snow drifts and crossing a major highway, is totally unreasonable. Without a public transportation service, these same children can no longer get to places that they used to be able to go, using the school bus service. What if they have an after school job? They can’t get to the next town over, because they are not allowed to use the school bus service for that. What if they need to go to a babysitter’s house or want to go to a friends place? This is no longer possible. What happens when the mercury dips into the minus 20s or 30s? Will they be staying home from school. What about the parents who don't drive? Or the parents that have a job that takes them to work much earlier than their children leave for school? We will have a lot of children staying at home alone, because they can no longer get to school or to a baby-sitter’s house. The Crowsnest Pass needs local public transportation! Not just for our seniors, but for our youth and those who do not or can not drive. To many I have spoken to, busing is a priority. I believe that it will help bring our community together. If elected, I will work toward getting this project out of the talking stages and bring it into reality. I hope this answers your questions. |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on October-05-10 5:29 PM
I have to say that this blog was not easy to write. It took some time to formulate my thoughts and views. In the last week I have been approached by numerous people about the quadding Bylaw. There are quite a few of them who want the Bylaw changed, to let quads back on the streets of the Crowsnest Pass. Equally there are quite a few who do not want to see it changed and state that they will move away from here, if it is. They all want to know the same thing though. Do I support the changing of the Bylaw or do I want it to remain status quo. Truthfully I have to say that initially I was in favor of changing it back so that people could go from point A to point B, to get to the staging areas or trail heads. This was as long as rules of the road are followed and the noise bylaw respected. For example, no excessive noise after 11 pm. I personally don't have a quad, but do know people who do. I felt that having it changed back, would it just made things easier for people to get to the bush. After all, to have to load your quad or snowmobile up on a trailer to go maybe as little as 1/2 km is pretty silly. Right?!!? I have heard from one couple, who retired here so that they can go quadding and other outdoor activities. They specifically liked being able to go from their house to the bush with the quad. This is one of the reasons that they moved here. They tell me that if it is not changed back, they will sell their home and move somewhere else. But there are always two sides to every story. What about the man who lives on the road to out of town? Or the family who live on the road from the nearest gas station to the nearest trail head? One fellow who called me said that when the quads were allowed to go through town, he would have them go by at all hours of the day or night. Several times it was 2 and 3 in the morning. He couldn't call the bylaw officer, as he was off duty, and the police didn't do anything, as it was a bylaw issue. He says that if the bylaw is changed back to allow quads on the streets again, he is moving away from here. So what about those people, who the quads driving down their streets, adversely affect?? Both sides have good and strong arguments for what they want to see happen. I had one fellow specifically ask if I knew if any of the candidates were specifically running just to change the off-roading bylaw. He said that he had heard that at least two were running just for this reason. I told him that I had not heard this, and I did not know of anyone. I really hope that this is the case. It is not a good reason to run in an election. He wanted to know if I was elected, would I stand up and vote against the changing of the Bylaw if it was brought back up. He said I would get his vote if I did promised to do this. Funny thing is, I was asked by another fellow, the exact opposite thing. He said that if he voted for me, would I stand up and try to change the Bylaw back. I want to say this to both of those fellows: I will not be bought. You can vote for me based on my merits and my opinions on the issues. You can vote for me based on where I have taken a stand on certain issues. You can vote for me, based on getting to know me, then deciding for yourself what kind of person I am and how I will best represent you the people. Vote for me because I will always look at every side to a situation and base my decision on all the facts presented. I am fair and just. I am strong and resourceful. But I will not have a vote for me bought, because I will or will not do something for you. This is not the way to do things. I make no apologies for this. This is just the way I am. I will listen to what the people have to say and then try to find the best possible solution to the situation. I hope to find a way to make the most amount of people satisfied with the outcome. Everything needs to be taken into consideration. But offering me your vote and asking me to change something specifically for you, is not the proper way to effect change. I feel that this is a hot topic. One that affects many people. I do believe that this issue does need to be revisited by council, but not to effect any immediate changes. I believe that maybe another public forum or possibly a referendum is needed, to see what the majority of the people, who live here, want. That is the only fair way to address this issue. That is democracy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Of democracy, only the shoemaker can make the shoe. Only the wearer can tell if it fits. . . . David Spitz At the bottom of all the tributes paid to democracy is the little man, walking into the little booth, with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper. . . .Gilbert Keith Chesterton |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on October-03-10 11:56 PM
There was a common belief back in the old country. The young and naive immigrants had been told wondrous stories of how the streets of the new country (North America) were paved in gold. But when they got here, they discovered three important things: First, the streets weren't paved in gold; second, they weren't paved at all; and third, they were expected to pave them! Now that may seem a little humorous to you, but really it does bring up a very hot issue here in the Crowsnest Pass. While our streets may not be paved or lined with gold, they most certainly must be filled with gold beneath them. After all, where has all the tax money that we have been paying, gone? The money that should have been put into paving them and filling in potholes? It's definitely not anywhere we can tangibly see. The simple answer: underneath, in the water and sewer system. At the forum, one gentleman stood up (several times) and talked about the poor condition of our streets. He still lives in Hillcrest (by the way). He mentioned how bad our streets have really become and how it does not seem to be a priority to do anything about them. Sir, you have my attention!!! Today I got a first hand look at the streets of Hillcrest. I haven't been to Hillcrest in awhile. I started at the east access to Hillcrest and made my way into town. I was out putting up my campaign signs and just about disappeared several times into what were definitely more than potholes. They were, in fact, craters!!! No exaggeration here. They were huge!! We tried to swerve to miss them, but there were just too many. We hit several of them quite hard. We watched an ongoing truck swerve into our lane, to miss them on his side of the road. It could have easily been a disaster. I know that it certainly wasn't good for our car. I also wonder who would have paid for the damage that might have been caused by disappearing into one of these such crevices?? Or worse. I know I wouldn't be getting it out of the Municipality; even though it has been their responsibility to repair, repave and fix our streets. Hillcrest is not the only community, within the Municipality, to have this problem. It is wide-spread. Bellevue, Frank, Blairmore and Coleman, too. Each and every one. Our community doesn't have many sidewalks. We tend to walk on the streets and across the streets, especially in the more residential areas. In our travels, I'm sure many of you, like me, have found ourselves at the mercy of an ankle breaker (otherwise know as a pothole). There is nothing like that sinking feeling as we "go down". Will we be able to get back up and walk on it? We ask this, as we tentatively put some weight on our feet. Luckily I haven't broken anything yet. I have, however, known a few people who did sprain or twist an ankle. This pothole problem isn't just a repair issue, it is a safety issue. It needs to be addressed!!! So when is it time for the Municipality to find it in the budget to fix these problems?? This shouldn't be a question. It should be done, no questions. I know it's part of our budget. It is in every community. So why are our streets at the bottom of our priority list?? Maybe current council members don't go for a walk down the street in the evening, or walk their dogs? Maybe council can afford to buy new vehicles all the time. Maybe they can afford vehicle repairs whenever the need arises. I, for one, cannot. And I'm sure that many people in this community can't either. I believe that this issue needs to be addressed. Soon. In fact, as soon as the next new council is in, I believe that it should be high up on the priority list. If elected, you can believe that I will address this issue. My car's shocks are worn out. My nerves are frayed from hitting the holes. My ankles are sore from tripping in them too. Let's vote in a council who will do something about our streets. Let's vote in a council who will listen to the good people of the Crowsnest Pass. |
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Posted on September-30-10 5:28 PM
Yes, I'm speaking on the curfew again, in an indirect way. This time I want to direct my comments to those "bad seeds" out there who ruin it for the rest of the youth of this community. One reason the curfew was brought into place was to stop things like acts of vandalism. The premise was, if we control our children/youth, the places they are and times they are out, we can control what is happening around the Pass. But this has not proved to be the case. As we all know, it is the few bad one's that ruin it for the rest. And they continue to act on their own, regardless of the rules (curfew). I know that many kids are bored in this community. And I know they try to find things to do to alleviate this boredom. I really just hope that it's not the good kids that are creating these acts of vandalism that are happening. I tend to think it's not. I hope I am right. We all know it's election time. Elections mean lots of campaigning. Campaigning means candidates putting up signs. With 22 people running that means lots of signs. Each and every sign cost money. The money to pay for these signs comes out of the pockets of the taxpayers, one way or another. Whether it's just one individual (the candidate) or the people who donate to those who are running. These people are parent's, mother's, father's, sister's, brother's, grandparent's, relatives, friends and neighbors. They are the people you know and love. So what I am about to talk about, should mean something to YOU, the "youth" of our community. It has come to my attention that certain kids are outright vandalizing the candidates signs. Signs are going missing, being broken, and otherwise destroyed. Have no doubt about it, this is pure and simple VANDALISM!!! You youth may think it is fun, funny, or maybe just something to do, to trash a sign or remove it and move it somewhere else. But it is wrong!!! Not to mention illegal. Worst of all, it sends a wrong message about our youth to the rest of our community. If you are a youth who is not doing this, but know someone who does, take a minute and stop and think about how this makes you look. Do you like that impression that it leaves?? Most likely, no!! So, what can you do about it?? Stop those who are doing it. Speak up!!! Stand up for your rights!! We have a curfew because of the few bad apple's that live in this community. And I'm sorry to say it, but the curfew doesn't affect them. They will go out anyway and break curfew. The curfew affects you, the good youth that live here in our fine community. Do you like the government enforced curfew?? Probably not. So what can you do about it?? One way is to change the rest of the community's perception of the youth. Stay away from trouble. If you find yourself with a group who are damaging signs, there are many things you can do. Stop them, or encourage them to not do it. Even go so far as to not hang out with them. And you can always report them. I know nobody likes to "rat" on their friends, but there are ways to report them anonymously. After all, it is your reputation that is being tarnished. Replacing these signs is costing your parent's, neighbors, and relatives money.That means less money for other things. It also means that the very people who are running and hoping to get elected; the very people who are on the side of youth, and wanting to help find ways for the youth to have something to do; these people are being directly affected. Basically these kind and thoughtful candidates are being told, in not so many words, that you youth really don't want to be heard and listened to. What kind of message is being sent out?? Time to think before you act. Your actions can have long reaching consequences. I, for one, want to see more activities and things for you, the youth in our community, to do. I want to work closely with you to find out what you want and work hard to make it happen. I want to give you a reason to enjoy living here and a reason to want to stay living here. Send council, the candidates and the rest of the community the right message!! That you have a voice and want to be heard!! That you both give and deserve respect and act like it. Time to step up the plate!! |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on September-29-10 5:24 PM
This election has brought to the forefront a lot of interesting issues. Today I was stopped by a lady wanting to address the issue of the Municipality imposed curfew. First let me start by saying that this woman is a local school teacher here in the Pass. She has been for over 25 years. She has dealt with children of all ages, at all levels of the educational system. She believes that this government imposed curfew is wrong. She thinks that the parents should be the one's to make the rules and enforce them. She feels that most parents are quite capable and willing to set the rules and guidelines for their children and also be willing to administer the correct punishment if their children misbehave. She believes that the parent's should be the one's to discipline their own children. She thinks that the government should stay out of policing our children and leave it up to the parent's. She believes that the curfew affects 95% of the "good"children in our Pass. That the 5% of the bad one's that it is really targeted for, wouldn't work for them anyway. That they will do what they want regardless of a curfew. She believes that children are basically capable of making the choices for themselves, and if given the chance, most will make the right choice. She feels that children should get a chance to learn how to be responsible. That they should not be forced into it. She feels that this rule should be revisited by the new council. I tend to agree with her. As a result of the curfew, our children are developing resentment toward authority. They feel like they can't be trusted. That their ability to make a proper decision is usurped. They feel that their judgement is being challenged. I believe that most parent's will agree with me. The government needs to stay out of our homes. Most parent's are quite capable and willing to set their our rules and guidelines for their own children. I think that most people will agree with me that this curfew is targeted at the few bad apple's, but really only truly affects the good. The bad few still do what they want, when they want. Time for some changes!!! |
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Sasha JaegerBaird: Posted on September-28-10 9:26 PM
Last night's forum, with it's short question and answer period, brought up a lot of great issues. I had an opportunity to answer three of them. I wish there had been time for more. I feel that the people of the Pass really can't get to know someone with only 3.75 minutes of talk time. I know that I have covered a bit of what I feel are the issues that are most important, here on my Campaign Website under Campaign Issues. However, I have decided to address several of the key issues brought up last night, here in my Blog, in a little more depth. Issue #1) Low Income/Affordable Housing - Affordable housing means housing that people can afford to buy. So whatever your income is, dictates the type and price of house you can buy. If you make a lot of money, you can "afford" a better or higher priced house. If you make less income, you may be able to afford a lower priced house. This does not address the issue. The issue is, people with little, no or low income, who are not able to buy a house because of the current market pricing. They may also be the people who may instead look to rent, but may find a lack of rental property or the prices too high to rent. So what we are really talking about is creating affordable low income housing for that demographic that has little, no or low income. There is an inherent problem with building a bunch of affordable priced houses and putting them on the market for low income people to buy. The problem is that the houses will get scooped up by investors, landlords and weekender's, long before the people who really need them, get a chance to buy them. This does not solve the problem. So what do we do?? Solution: Look to what Calgary has done for it's people. We need to build multi-family housing. For example: town homes, condominiums or row housing, that is rent and occupant controlled by the Municipality. This is called subsidized housing. There a couple of ways to create this housing. We don't need to do a feasibility study, as we already know that there is a need. So.... First, find an architect to design this housing. If we can find one who will do this as a donation, all the better. Making sure that he designs one, two and three bedroom places. Then the Municipality donates, or for a small deposit (or other such idea: grants, donations through private business, etc.), the land on which to build this housing. I can personally think of several places of Municipality land on which to use to build this housing. Then, together with a builder (or even the community, as a whole), begin to create this haven for low income people. Some of these such places in Canada and the States are incredible creations of modern design and amenities. In fact, if we approach this idea with getting the whole community involved, then it will give everyone a sense of belonging. Kind of like Habitat for Humanity. Then once finished, the places are rented out at a fair market rental amount, controlled by the Municipality. Everyone who applies is decided upon a case by case basis, taking into consideration their immediate need, situation, income and expenses. In fact, the municipality could offer some, many or all of them on a rent-to-own basis. This is just one of several ideas to solve this housing issue. If I am elected, I will do my best to see that something such as this, is more than just an idea on paper. VOTE SASHA JAEGERBAIRD For Council |
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