Updates from Division One
There isn’t a day that goes by where there’s some kind of rumor or conspiracy theory making its way through the grapevine in this county. One in particular that I would like to address are the current sanctions Council has placed on fellow councillors Kissell, Hanson, and Wright. As an elected official, it wasn’t an easy decision to make but it had to be done.
The official definition of my role as your councillor is to make decisions in consideration of the municipality as a whole, to promote an integrated and strategic approach to inter-municipal land planning and service delivery, and to participate generally in development and evaluating the policies and programs of RVC. And above all, adhere to the Code of Conduct. The sanctions bestowed upon these three councillors was punishment for inappropriate conduct.
As your councillor, I have to make decisions, never easy ones, on how policies will protect, benefit or make safe our community and its residents. Our Code of Conduct, a provincially mandated legal policy for all municipalities in Alberta, which all councillors voted unanimously last summer to abide by was breached by Councillors Kissell, Hanson, and Wright (as determined by a private third party). Sections #28 and #29 of our Council Code of Conduct were violated when information deemed ‘Private and Confidential’ and for Council’s eyes only were released publicly without Council authorization.
The restrictions placed on these councillors, as much as they say it impedes their ability to do their job, is baseless. These restrictions do not and should not be used as an excuse to say it prevents them from representing their constituents. They can still attend meetings, communicate with their fellow councillors and most importantly, work with and represent their residents. The fact that they don’t have direct access to staff applies to all councillors. In order to speak to staff, we go through the Reeve and in turn, the Chief Administrative Officer (Council’s only employee) or his Executive Directors. It’s the CAO’s right to limit councillor interaction with staff.
To put this whole ordeal into context, ask yourself, how would you feel if your doctor, wealth manager, or teacher shared private information about you to others without your consent?
Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Meet & Greet
It was an honour to meet with Doug Schweitzer last month at the Bragg Creek Community Centre along with councillors from Redwood Meadows and Foothills County. Also in attendance was our MLA, Miranda Rosin and MP, John Barlow. The minister toured the province meeting public officials for short but robust meetings to discuss local issues, namely the topic of rural crime. Following the private meeting, the minister held a well attended town hall at the Springbank Heritage Club.
Looking into the future
Over 70 local residents attended the RVC Municipal Development Plan Open House held in Bragg Creek last month at the Bragg Creek Community Centre. Several other open houses were held throughout the county a few weeks ago. It was the first step to gather public input and seek feedback from residents throughout the county. With the establishment of the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board in 2018, projected regional growth and the state of our provincial economy, council felt that the MDP (previously known as the County Plan) needed to be revisited to help all residents and landowners understand how their land may be used now and in the future, and ensure that growth meets the needs of the community. For more info please visit rockyview.ca and type ‘MDP’ into the search bar.
We need you to speak up
If you witness any property or traffic violations, need an answer to a bylaw question, or want to pass on comments (good or bad) to RVC administration, call our 24/7 Service Request Line at 403-230-1401 and start a dialogue. Your comments and suggestions are important to us so we can better serve you.
Thanks for your help
If you have some time on your hands, think about volunteering on a board, committee or lend a hand at an event. Volunteers are the life blood of our community and we can always use more.
— Cheers, Mark
checkMarkk.ca
