Dear Editor:
Now that the election is over and things are settling down, there are a few things I would like to clear up about the Bentley petition.
Yes, there were mistakes made. I had never done a petition before and it was a learning process for me. I know there were people upset that the petition was presented to council. It was originally sent to Alberta Municipal Affairs in Edmonton, which took a month and that is why half of the names were not counted (there is a time limit). Also, they could not legally accept it until it was first presented to council so I had no other choice but to do so. I do apologize for that and any issues that may have caused residents.
A couple of weeks ago the Town of Bentley printed a small advertisement about the results of the petition. It stated that we sat down with a moderator and had a chance to discuss our issues about the public works department. (after nine months of waiting). We did have that chance but were very limited in what we could say. We have the names of four other people who can verify that many of the things we were saying were true but we were not able to present their names. We also asked that some town records be looked into regarding certain things. But after nine months of waiting to be heard many of those things could have easily been wiped away. In all, it took 11 months with our fight from the beginning to end and we felt very little came out of all the work that we did to stand up for the rights of every taxpayer. (By the way, the investigation did not cost taxpayers anything).
The line in the ad that disturbs me the most is the one that states the public works department operated within policy. If allowing the misuse of town funds, damage to town equipment and violations of safety rules is our policy then we had better make some changes to our policy.
It also states that the recommendations will be looked at by council and administration, but will anything be done?
I have been snubbed, judged and I know gossiped about for doing what I did but I don’t have one regret nor will I ever for standing up for what is right. Like me or hate me, at least I had the courage to speak up and do something rather than gossip and complain.
So judge me if you will.
Pam Davey,
Bentley