I have been covering the news in Rocky View county for several years. Starting with the previous council, I was able to report on the 2010 election campaign and the ultimate winners and losers.
I watched the growing pains of the new council, watching several new councillors get their feet wet. I was also on hand as the new council seemed to become more of a cohesive unit, banding together towards solutions for Rocky View’s challenges, such as water and wastewater servicing and getting the County’s debt under control.
However, in recent months I have witnessed a decline in this council’s ability to work together.
I wouldn’t say it started with the Bingham Crossing decision, but that did seem to put a huge wedge in this council’s ability to work together.
Since then, councillors have taken their grievances with one another to the public, posting letters and ads in the Rocky View Weekly and sharing their opposing opinions through the use of blogs.
The latest councillor to join the public battle is Earl Solberg, who created a new blog last month, explaining that it is necessary to fight the misinformation that is being spread.
A number of entries in Solberg’s blog speak directly to Councillor Al Sacuta, who has long been an outspoken Rocky View resident. In fact, before being sworn in as a councillor, Sacuta was the recipient of a cease and desist order from the County for his Our Springbank blog, which he has recently resurrected.
Outspoken residents are also mentioned on Solberg’s new blog, including former councillors Harvey Buckley and Gloria Wilkinson.
On his blog, Solberg mentions letters to the editor printed in the Rocky View Weekly and emails he has been sent by County residents.
Sacuta’s blog entries date back to October, 2010, and those entries seem to be informative, giving residents the decisions made in council and the reasons behind Sacuta’s votes.
Last October, Sacuta’s blog changed. His frustration over the Bingham Crossing decision and angst against some of his fellow councillors became obvious.
In early November, that blog even gained him a visit from RCMP and a media flurry after he posted the following statement: “(the) county would run much smoother if I were given three things: a backhoe, a gun, (and) permission to use them,” in a blog post dated Nov. 7.
Sacuta later apologized for the comments, but not before a complaint was made to police.
Since then, both councillors have blogged about the CN rail development going in near Conrich, campaign contributions and Rocky View County’s debt.
As a reporter, I have the luxury of being an observer. Not living within Rocky View has given me an advantage of being able to maintain impartiality.
Speaking to people on both sides has allowed me to see both sides of most arguments. I have been able to question some decisions made by council and applaud others without taking sides.
I have gained respect for many of the councillors and how they choose to deal with conflict. Many of those members of Rocky View County have been able to keep their thoughts to themselves, allowing the municipality to continue to move forward.
However, with the public insults flying, reporters have noticed a huge division. And although things have improved since a three-year low in December, opinions are still divided and veiled insults are still being uttered during council meetings.
Although the controversy gives reporters something to write about, council’s mood overall is concerning. How can residents be well represented by a council that is up in arms?
For the sake of residents, I hope councillors can find a way to deal with personal dislikes and frustrations, and learn to set a good example for their residents.
If not, I fear several councillors will spend the next eight months frustrated and angry with one another, barely tolerating one another and further dividing the residents, who already represent a large number of differing opinions, lifestyle and dreams for the future.
