Heartland Transmission Line Decision
Published November 11, 2011
I would first like to begin this column by clarifying a few anomalies in an article written by Carla Howatt about myself on October 28. All council meetings are web cast so if there is anyone, including Ms. Howatt, who would like to see exactly what happens in a Council Meeting and more importantly how their Councillors in particular are representing them and everything they say, you can view all meetings, past and present, by going to Strathcona County's web site, clicking on Mayor and Council, then Council Meetings and finally web casts.
Firstly, I have been a strong supporter of Robin Hood who has a number of clients on AISH and whom I know live in Strathcona County, even though Ms. Howatt indicated the opposite in her article.
I am also the past president of the Knights of Columbus (locally, provincially and nationally) as well as the Rotary Club of Sherwood Park; both of whom are very supportive of helping anyone less fortunate than themselves, a number of whom I am aware live in our community. Again, contrary to Ms. Howatt's article. I did however say I will stand up for the residents in my ward when requested to do so. I further believe Ms. Howatt owes every resident of Sherwood Park a sincere apology for her reference to us as "SherWHITE Park”. I know the term is both unjustified and an affront to all those who work so tirelessly on behalf of so many who need their help. We are the volunteer capital of the world!
I would now like to express my views on a subject that has been occupying my time over the past two years probably more than it should have but I believe will affect the quality of life of the residents not only in my ward, but all of Strathcona County in the long run. I could not believe the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) would completely ignore the arguments and substantial information given to them during and up to their recent decision. The needs and health concerns of residents, daycares and schools in close proximity were all completely ignored. The report if you read it has a number of anomalies that contradict each other. This could have been a win/win for everyone involved but money seemed to be the deciding factor in this decision.
Based on legal advice received at last Tuesday’s Council Meeting, Strathcona County Council has asked their legal counsel to prepare an application to the AUC to review and vary its decision 2011-436; and for a stay of that decision pending resolution of the application.
After a thorough discussion with a good friend of mine over the weekend, he reminded me of some very relevant points. The issue is not that the risk is unproven or minimal. The issue is that citizens deserve to be free of any risk. It is not for citizens to prove a risk exists for government to act to protect but for government to show that no risk exists before an action is allowed.
I believe that to accept any risk, a person must consent to it first after being fully informed of the risk. As stated by my friend who is a physician, the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded low frequency from a possible to a probable cause of concern. Possible means a link exists but not all possibilities have been ruled out. Probable means a link exists of its own merit. Proven means the cause has a specific cancer. This is the accepted method used by Public Health in Alberta to enforce medical safety. By these understandings the building and use of the 500 kV above ground lines should not exist. It will be just a matter of time that their cost in human life will be demonstrated.
I believe in the democratic process but this process has created more questions than answers. We need some answers and more importantly, some solutions which will ensure our residents are safe and can continue to live, play and work in our community without fear.
We are presently going into the final stages of our budget deliberations for 2012 and I would like to clarify how I make my decisions in this process. I have always believed I was elected to represent all the residents in Strathcona County according to their wishes. This is a very challenging year due to the transition between a very hot economy and where we stand today. Our staff work very hard to formulate the best budget possible but the final direction and decision always remains the responsibility of your Council. Our decisions must always take into consideration the wishes and needs of those who elected us. I believe your positions must be instrumental in determining the services we will provide. After all, it is everyone's quality of life that is affected and therefore I am convinced that two way communications between us as elected officials and you as our residents is imperative to understand the magnitude of all our options. I look forward to contacting and hearing from as many of you as possible.
Vic Bidzinski
Councillor, Ward 1
780-464-8005
bidzinski@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Page ID: 8547