Dear editor, A move to exclude candidates from speaking about growth in meetings organized by Rocky View County is unfortunate.
The Reeve’s Task Force on growth planning is conducting six public events and has encouraged residents and stakeholders to attend and give input about future growth in the county.
However, prior to the start of the fourth meetings that took place Sept. 22 in Bearspaw, Chairman Stan Church announced that candidates would not be allowed to speak.
While I understand the Task Force’s intention to avoid politicizing its meetings, candidates are still residents and they should be allowed to speak — as residents only.
There are 21 candidates for eight council positions, meaning 13 of them will not be elected. Those who did not speak at the first two meetings lost their opportunity on Sept. 22 and will be prevented from speaking again at the remaining two public events in Bragg Creek and Irricana.
Candidates usually research local issues such as growth, and the Task Force should hear from them. While I was able to speak at the Sept. 16 meeting in Springbank before Nomination Day, I believe other candidates should have the same opportunity.
Rejecting their contribution puts a dent on the Task Force’s credibility.
I urge the Task Force to reconsider its decision in time for the Sept. 29 and 30 remaining public meetings.
Enrique Massot, Cochrane
