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Citizens of the M.D. want change, and they want change now

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Taber Times

These were the words uttered by a new M.D. of Taber councillor at their first council meeting of this term (oddly not what they campaigned on).

The words need to be echoed back at the three censured M.D. of Taber councillors loudly.

In my opinion, the only honourable thing the censured councillors can do now is resign immediately! If they were representing the wishes of their residents they will have no problem explaining themselves in a BY-ELECTION. Unless there has been more activity going on the public does not know about. Let the M.D. residents decide.

The statement from the three censured councillors in the November 13 Taber Times was hardly contrite. “We are disappointed”, just imagine how disappointed the general public feels. Are you disappointed that a portion of your closed door activity became public knowledge?

“We respect and appreciate the work of our volunteer fire departments.” Really, do you not believe your actions in the past have demonstrated this?

“Fiscally responsible” The three of you will have to explain how any of this activity is remotely fiscally responsible. The amount of money spent on big city consultants and lawyers in the past year or two alone! Hundreds of thousands of dollars??? In the face of unprecedented staff turnover and layoffs.

In the past, the M.D. of Taber has been recognized as fiscally responsible and viable. It is well documented and demonstrated in strong audited year end financial statements, with the last audited financial statement of the old council being 2017. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, December 2018, ranked the M.D. of Taber 17th out of 182 Alberta municipalities, for financial sustainability, using information ending two years previous. All of this occurred with a previous council, a strong administration and a loyal staff. Let this be the benchmark to measure your contributions to “Fiscal Responsibility” against!

While three councillors were censured, all of council will have to shoulder the responsibility of allowing this oppressive behaviour to continue behind closed doors, to the point that the CAO felt he needed to leave, to the point other staff felt they had to leave. I am sure the public will never be allowed to see the detailed reports from the consultants that our tax dollars paid for.

Will this be the legacy of this split council?

BOB WALLACE
FORMER COUNCILLOR

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