Dear Editor:
Reading the Rimbey Review over the last couple of weeks, I was a bit intrigued to learn of a number of questionable decisions made by the mayor and council. Now I just learned that the EMT who wrote the letter to the editor that questioned the decisions to purchase furniture for the new EMT building has been in effect fired for writing the letter.
This EMT was told he was being disciplined for writing the letter. When he asked if he was being fired, the town manager told him the mayor checked with his lawyer and determined the letter was defamatory. The EMT was told he wasn't being fired; he just was not going to be assigned to any more work. In effect, he was fired for what the town manager and the mayor allege was defamation.
There are a couple of serious issues I have with what's happening. If our elected officials do not respect freedom of speech, how can it exist? The true test of free speech is in the ability to stand up for someone who is advocating at the top of their lungs for something you would advocate against at the top of your lungs. This takes courage, and I don't see any courage displayed here by the Town of Rimbey. On the other hand the EMT should be commended for standing up.
Secondly, if the accusation is truly defamation as the town manager has stated, then the mayor should prove it. Allegations are easy, cheap, and cowardly. This young man's job is on the line.
It is time for some more courage; the town should put up or shut-up. I suggest we have a public forum with the EMT, the mayor, and the town manager. Bring all the evidence forward for everyone to see!
Lance Fonstad