There have been a number of recent decisions made by governments within the area that have me taking a look at my understanding of democracy.
Earlier this month, the Alberta government made the decision to approve the Bragg Creek logging plan, which will see 1,730 acres of trees in the West Bragg Creek Recreation Area clear cut.
First presented in January, the logging plan, touted as the Bragg Creek FireSmart plan, was met with resistance from local residents, trail users and activists, some of whose jobs depend on the existence of the forest.
A number of meetings were held during the 10-month public debate, and science was presented on both sides of the argument. In the end, the Province made the decision to go ahead, despite the controversy.
Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Diana McQueen called the issue “emotional” and said it was a tough decision to make given the passion of those against the controversial plan. She said the logging plan struck a balance between public safety and preservation of West Bragg Creek’s recreational appeal.
Closer to home, Rocky View County council recently approved Bingham Crossing, a project that will see a multi-level senior’s housing facility, office, retail and commercial space built kitty corner to Callaway park in Springbank.
The project, scaled down after being rejected by council in 2008, was approved on Nov. 1 after a 20-hour public hearing during which the majority spoke in opposition.
We at the Rocky View Weekly have received numerous letters and emails regarding the project. It seems a majority of west Rocky View residents are still adamantly opposed to the project, saying it is urban sprawl at its worst.
For the impartial observer, it is often difficult to see which decision is the best one. In both of the above examples, a good case has been presented for both sides of the arguments. I often remark that it would be difficult to be a politician, as you will never reach 100 per cent consensus on any decision made.
In fact, I can’t even decide what is the correct way to go on any of these issues.
That being said, on one level, it is nice to see our governments seeking feedback from constituents.
Currently, Rocky View is asking for input on its County Plan, a document that will help shape the future of the region. So far, council has received a fair amount of feedback.
At the Provincial level, the government has recently inundated its constituents with a number of surveys and public input sessions on a variety of subjects from how they should spend our money to how they should plan for future development in the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan.
I love the concept of my leaders seeking my opinion on important issues, but at the end of the day, I realize they may not take my opinion into consideration.
In fact, my busy lifestyle and sometimes cynical view of the world often leaves me wondering if I should bother giving my opinion. Will my leaders hear me, or just nod and smile to make me feel like they are?
I believe many of us “regular Janes and Joes” are asking this same question.
I’m not condoning apathy, and am always amazed by what one person can do to make a difference in the world, however, when it comes to politics, I really only have one voice: my vote.
However angry I sometimes get at the decisions (or lack of decisions) made in my municipality, province and country, I have to remember my fellow citizens and I are responsible for choosing those who lead our country.
With representational democracy, we elect those who we think will best stand behind what we believe in for the following three or four years.
If they don’t, it’s our responsibility to replace them with those that will better do so.
