Dear Editor:
In reference to an article on page 19 of the April 20, 2010 issue of the Rimbey Review, I feel I must respond. The article was titled “Long-running dispute between landowner, Ponoka County may have amicable ending.”
In the interest of balanced reporting and the right of all persons to expect honesty and truth from our municipal government, I wish to challenge Ponoka County’s version of events.
CAO Charlie Cutforth referred to Ponoka County dragging its heels on issuing a development permit to me, Aubrey Finnen, and that “it was Mr. Finnen himself who caused the delay.” I wrote Mr. Cutforth a letter on April 23, 2010 asking for a copy of the development permit he was referring to. There has been no reply. I have no knowledge of such a development permit. The truth is I have one development permit (D10-03) from Ponoka County, applied for on Jan. 20, 2010 and received on Jan. 25. Mr. Cutforth’s statement has no validity.
Mr. Cutforth refers to a “blizzard of correspondence” from me. This statement is absolutely correct, albeit deceiving to the people. The reality is Mr. Cutforth has received only a “flurry” of letters from me, followed by a “blizzard” of reminders, because the county has for the most part, ignored and neglected to respond to my legitimate concerns, including Ponoka County’s alleged contravention of the Alberta Municipal Act and the Ponoka County’s own land use bylaw.
Reference is made to the fact that Ponoka County has withdrawn conditions attached to me erecting this sign, which will also negate the need for a hearing. There was a hearing on March 31.
Mr. Cutforth said the sign conditions were for safety and visibility. That is not what my correspondence with development officer Tom Webber says. When questioned as to the reasons for the conditions on my sign permit, I was told by Mr. Webber that the permit applied to my sign only, and not to other signs in the county, and if I did not like it I could appeal. No other explanation was provided.
We have municipal elections this fall. Are you being properly represented by your county councillor or is it time for some new blood?
Aubrey Finnen