Do we control our own future?
Published August 28, 2009
I believe with the formation of the new Capital Region Board, I think not. While the supposition is that we can control what happens within our boundaries, the final question seems to be whether growth or otherwise is deemed to be beneficial or detrimental to the Region as a whole.
While I do not believe we are an island unto ourselves, we need some autonomy so we as an individual community can determine what our future will be. I am of the opinion that the restrictions that can be imposed by this new Board may not enable us to set a vision for ourselves or more importantly, our children. I am a person who can compromise when necessary but the new voting structure approved for this Board leaves no room for individuality.
I am told that the Region is progressing now that Edmonton and Strathcona are "getting along." I can only answer that by pointing out that under the new voting structure, Edmonton has a veto so realistically they control whatever happens in the Region. This means they can determine what happens in our community so I am not sure what "getting along" means.
It would be interesting to see in the future what would occur if a development was proposed that was good for the Region but adversely affected Edmonton's vision for the future. Do we believe they would not stand up for their residents? Are we that naive?
There has been a substantial amount of money as well as time spent on this project, so I am hoping something beneficial will be realized by the Region. But in saying that, why was this imposed on the Region in the first place? Why did the province have to step in and say to the Mayors of Edmonton and Strathcona County that they had to get together for the benefit of the whole Region? Could not one of them take the leadership and move the process forward without this heavy hand? We did at that time have a proven regional organization called Alberta Capital Regional Alliance (ACRA). This organization (under the leadership of the then Mayor of Strathcona County, Vern Hartwell) was working well for the benefit of the entire Region, even giving us the Anthony Henday Drive plus setting up a number of other visionary projects.
I am amazed at the time and people we have had, and still have, dedicated to this new imposed layer of government. I am not sure whether you as our taxpayers realize how much of your property tax dollars are being spent on this project with no choice by your elected officials. While all of us on Council have seen the plans for this extra layer, unfortunately as an elected official representing my residents, I have very little input on those plans. The formation and approval of this Board has been determined in general by our two representatives with a little, but not much, consultation with the Council as a whole. I cannot speak for all of Council but I am very disappointed with this type of communication because I have as much right as anyone else to make my residents' voices known. This is all of our future and I have a responsibility to make sure it is moving in the direction my residents want it to. I only hope that the benefits that are being touted are not just window dressing and will bear fruit for not only Strathcona County but the Region as a whole.
Vic Bidzinski, Councillor Ward 1
780-464-8005
bidzinski@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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