Several matters before Rocky View County (RVC) council during its Oct. 22 meeting highlighted the frustrations, tensions and divisions that appear to have become the norm among the county’s elected representatives.
Between revoking permission for three councillors to attend an upcoming conference due to sanctions, a deadlock over reconsidering a subdivision application and procedural confusion leading to raised tempers on a notice of motion, this council too often gets bogged down by “meltdowns,” to quote Reeve Greg Boehlke, when working through the decision-making process. It is disconcerting to say the least.
As both Boehlke – elected during the annual organizational meeting to head council for the fifth term – and Coun. Kevin Hanson have said, these flare-ups by council reflect poorly and makes everyone look “unprofessional.”
These matters don’t exist in a vacuum. Cumulatively, it would be understandable if residents of RVC question the ability of its council to work together and move the County forward.
This week’s organizational meeting marked the start of a new year for the council, and we hope it will also mark the start of consensus building, co-operation and movement in a positive direction.
