Letter | Opinion

Following is an open letter to Pincher Creek town council.

At what point do policy, procedure and process eclipse the principle of  doing the right thing?

While this question may seem subjective, it becomes increasingly clear when town council deliberately opts to overlook its own bylaws and the concerns of its residents.

Isn’t it time to stop masking the situation with the misleading guise of “protection by process”?

Council’s persistent lack of transparency and refusal to accept financial accountability to the taxpayers in our community must be addressed.

I remain committed to raising our concerns regarding the proposed location for the new curling rink/facility.

Many citizens have confided in me their reluctance to voice their opinions due to fears of retaliation, such as job loss.

I personally have been labelled an “anarchist” by a councillor for challenging the rush to approve the building permit for the curling rink at Hole 7 on the golf course.

Failing to stand for something opens the risk to succumb to anything, and it appears that certain members of this town council take advantage of that principle.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito.” — African proverb quoted by the Dalai Lama

This situation fuels our determination to advocate for transparency and accountability.

If this decision proceeds, it will be made without adequate due diligence or a thorough evaluation of the implications of this site change.

An anarchist, by definition, is an individual who resists authority, established order or ruling power. Our council is elected to prioritize the community’s best interests, not to impose mandates that serve their personal agendas, benefiting only a select few. Advocating for citizens to have a voice in a democratic society is hardly “anarchy.”

I urge certain councillors to reflect on their privilege and govern according to their mission, values and vision statement:

Respectful relationships; community teamwork; enabling and encouraging creative thinking; sincere two-way communication; a safe, friendly and vibrant community; sustainability: economic, ecological and intergenerational; and transparent decision-making processes.

I look forward to hearing from you and to information regarding a date for the open house concerning the proposed curling rink location.

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