|
|
The excitement builds
In about a week’s time, Sept. 17 to be exact, the future of our community will once again be shaping itself.
On that date, candidates will officially announce their interest in running for municipal office in High Prairie, the M.D. of Big Lakes and surrounding school boards.
We would like to say they are announcing their interest in leading us into the future. Yet, our two biggest governments, the M.D. of Big Lakes and the Town of High Prairie, can be noted for a lack of accomplishment this past three-year term. As has been said many times before, by many, many people in our community, if it weren’t for volunteers like the Sports Complex Society and local business people pushing forward, there would be nothing to point to as what we like to call, “progress.’’
High Prairie streets are still full of potholes. Alleys across town are even worse. Big trucks still park on Highway 2, despite a plebiscite long ago where citizens voted to completely ban parking on the highway. A two-tier pricing system for recreation use is still “coming.’’ Town of High Prairie owned buildings are still rented for peanuts. Too many buildings are boarded up or falling into disrepair. There is still barely a mention of interest in economic development. Long term planning and a vision for the future are still in complete limbo.
These are facts. No amount of spin from a departed mayor, who apparently found greener pastures elsewhere, can change this.
The M.D. of Big Lakes is quite the same. We have to admit, at least that council tries some days. They have real meetings, and talk, often quite intelligently, about real issues. Council meetings, held twice a month, last longer than the 30-minute High Prairie meetings.
But, petty rivalries still abound. One has to scratch that back, or grease this wheel, to get something done. Councillors earnestly talk about how much mowing to do on a particular ditch.
Meanwhile, future industrial growth in the region is a non-issue. Even a couple of rezoning proposals in Joussard are knocking the wheels right off any semblance of planning or long-term visioning. An in-depth study on future opportunities done by the M.D. is still collecting dust on the shelf. And of course, where have our elected officials been when it comes to our new hospital until recently?
As said above, anything that happened around these parts, had nothing to do with these two councils or, it was already in the works before this term. Our First Nations and Metis settlements have a track record far better in moving forward.
Meanwhile, that same departed mayor blew long and hard that criticism of his fine council was discouraging and definitely would make people think twice about running for office. Yet, we have just about every councillor running again.
And yes, another ten people or so are talking about running.
Why are these councillors coming back for more “abuse?’’ And why are so many other people lining up to give them a run? Because what one person tried to spin as “abuse,’’ was in fact, honest and fair comment. What another person tries to spin as “negativity’’ is often simply asking questions.
We can use fresh air and new faces here. Voters need a choice. This means get your nominations in. The more people running, the better off our community will be. The more the merrier.
- J.K.B.
Regional
Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.
View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster
|
|
