by Chris Clegg
Editor, South Peace News

It’s been almost a year since High Prairie town council decided to propose a new policy to choose names for induction on the High Prairie Citizen’s Monument.

Nothing has happened since.

It was Councillor Donna Deynaka who said at council’s meeting July 14, 2015 that “over the years, this particular honour has lost its lustre. It’s lost its initial intent.”

Mayor Linda Cox agreed.

Ideas were tossed about. A celebration? A barbecue and ceremony similar to Big Lakes County? A change in date from the first day of the Elks Stampede to August or September?

The High Prairie and Area Chamber of Commerce was supposed to be contacted regarding the ceremony, even perhaps assuming the ceremony. Nary a peep has been heard from them since.

Where are we going to go from here? If anywhere!

I find it interesting that not one member of council has brought forward the matter. Assuming there is no change, the process needed to be started soon. Even if the process is to be changed, it’s time to get this matter moving forward.

Or, is there simply no interest?

I’m not sure I entirely agree with Deynaka that the ceremony has lost its lustre. I do like the idea of moving it to a municipal barbecue day, but that costs money for a council trying to cut costs so that may not be viable.

I do have thoughts on the ceremony.

1. The ceremony should continue.

2. There needs to be public input on the process in regard to making a decision.

In the past, only council decided the inductees. The public was invited to submit nominees, which I did several times.

However, over the years, sometimes – not always – the selection became a matter of which friend of a councillor was going to be recognized. Some public opinion soured on the process which I believe is what Deynaka is referring to.

So, how do you fix it? No one wants to touch this with a 10-foot pole!

Let me be the first. I hate saying this but strike a new committee with no councillors on it to decide the inductees. Anyone who knows me knows I want less meetings, not more. The committee meets once and only once and be paid nothing. The committee makes a decision on the nominees, then forwards the list to council for approval. Council can refuse a nominee if they vehemently disagree but they cannot add any.

Next, who would sit on this five-member committee? That’s the problem. Who would be brave enough to step into the “hot seat” knowing full well that someone is going to bitch about any decision?

I would propose that a start would be from the original 51 people named to the monument. Several people have since passed away. The chamber of commerce president would be automatic, then perhaps other monument inductees.

The problem with the entire affair is that too many people have complained over past decisions. Council appears to be a little gun-shy about taking the next step.

However, High Prairie should still celebrate its best citizens. Selection or non-selection doesn’t mean that you have not contributed. Raising a good family and model citizens is still the most valuable contribution you can make to a community. Hundreds of these people are never recognized.

Still, for all its faults, the ceremony should still continue.