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Submitter questions harassment of user groups at the Winfield Agriplex by county employees

To: The Editor,

On the evening on Mar 24, I hosted a Wills and Estates presentation on behalf of the Winfield Agriculture Society. I am a volunteer that likes to bring workshops to Winfield and the Ag Society is more than happy to host these and supply coffee and donuts for all that attend. This was a free workshop for everyone in Winfield and surrounding communities, had a great turnout, and everyone left the hall very informed about this subject and very impressed with the lawyers that gave the presentation.

The Ag Society pays rent for the use of the hall and bookings are taken through Steve at the County of Wetaskiwin office. So this is what I did. We went over a few rules and I specifically asked if someone would be there to lock up the hall at 9:00 p.m. when we were done. I was told that there defiantly would be someone there. So with the help of everyone present, we stacked up the chairs, put away the tables, and left the hall the way we had found it. The lights were left on that were on when I arrived, and I turned off the lights that were off when I arrived. At the end of the night, I was very happy with the way things turned out.

However, the next morning I received a very nasty phone call from our county employee who is the caretaker of the facility. Apparently she hadn’t done her job and the hall was left unlocked overnight. She yelled, told me I had no common sense, would be held personally liable for any damages, and would be receiving the bill for the power of the lights that were left on overnight.

Excuse me, I have no common sense? How dare you call me at home ranting, raving, and name-calling without first checking with your employer? The employee in question should know that I have never been anything but good and kind to her and her family. What has our community come to, that you feel the need to degrade me to the point of tears? Maybe that is how people like you make yourselves feel better. I wouldn’t know.

As a volunteer, I have organized many successful events, fundraisers, and field trips for our community. This is what I choose to do as an active community member and have never before been treated this way. My family has stayed out of the petty bickering surrounding County/Ag Society relationships and to be dragged into it in this manner is very unfortunate. The County of Wetaskiwin wants to have more user groups using this facility and rightfully so. Maybe they should hire someone that doesn’t give them such a negative image. Next time people are wondering why groups are finding other places to hold meetings, this could be your answer.

Now Reluctant Volunteer,

Colleen Magnuson

Winfield, Alta.