By Treena Mielke
A group of farmers, disatisfied with the answers they are receiving from Lacombe County regarding a number of issues, are in the process of forming a taxpayers’ association.
“We have quite a few grievances and we can’t seem to get anywhere,” said Stan Anderson, who farms near The Medicine Valley Ski Lodge.
Anderson and Martin Byzitter organized a meeting held at Bentley Agrim Centre recently which was attended by more than 30 people including county councillor Dana Kriel.
Anderson said all the councillors were invited, but Kriel was the only one who attended.
Also in attendance were three representatives from the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association who were on hand to assist the organizers with details necessary to get their group off the ground.
Anderson said having a group of taxpayers work together to approach the county as one voice about concerns seems a feasible approach.
“We just want the truth, some answers and accountability,” he said. “But first we have to get enough interest to see if it is feasible.”
Martin Byzitter, who is working with Anderson to form the group, said he wants county administration and councillors to be accountable.
“We are teaching our kids accountability and yet these adults are not displaying it,” he said. “We want to live in a county that respects people and talks to and with its citizens and not at them.”
The group, has named themselves ‘A Taxpayers’ Voice’, Alone We Can Do Nothing, Together We Can Do A Lot.
Lacome County Reeve, Paula Law said a letter has been sent to the group inviting them to attend a council meeting as a delegation and express their concerns.
“They have been formally invited to come to a council meeting so we can hear all the issues they have,” she said.
Lacombe County council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 9 a.m. at the county office.