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22/08/2010 08:19
Now Wait Just A Darn Minute Here Folks
What is it with David J. Climenhaga, Andy Michaelson and others who would like to discredit the St. Albert Taxpayers Association (SATA)?
They're all singing from the same "hymn book" and the hymn is getting awfully tiring, quite frankly. Why is it so darn important for them to know who is on the SATA Board of Directors and how many members they have?
Now, I know they, and others, are trying to make some sort of "connection" between SATA and the St. Albert Community League and maybe even some of the "new" candidates running for council. Indeed, conspiracy theorists abound in St. Albert! Maybe there's even a member of SATA perched on the "Grassy Knoll!!!" Duck, David, duck!! Or, maybe they're trying to pass off SATA as a bunch of “self-interest” quacks - the same "special interests" Climenhaga speaks of with such disdain?
There is one thing I do know for sure, though. With the number of people and groups that are trying to discredit SATA, you can bet your bottom dollar the organization is viewed as a very serious threat to St. Albert's "establishment," the self-appointed "power brokers" and "self-interests" in this city.
Mr. Climenhaga and friends, I have lived in St. Albert for 50 years this month and council's spending is right out of control - more out of control than I can ever remember. I, for one, appreciate the work SATA does on behalf of me and the rest of the taxpayers in St. Albert, even if you don't. And, to save you the time checking, NO, I'm not on the Board of Directors of SATA. Heck, I'm not even a member of the organization or the St. Albert Community League, for that matter.
Jim Starko
St. Albert
SINC SAYS:
Seems to me that there are a couple of things to be learned from David’s column, Jim. Perhaps too many people, including Climenhaga see SATA as being against everything and therein lies the problem. When an association’s basic goal is fiscal responsibility in the city of St. Albert, it might behoove SATA to soften its approach. I doubt the group is against everything. Perhaps it should state at the outset whether or not it supports the general idea of any project the city embarks upon, but then outline the reasons taxpayers can’t afford it right now. The bottom line is that council has overspent in the extreme and comparing our tax burden with any other Alberta municipality proves it. If SATA adopted a “we agree this is needed, but not until the bills for past projects are paid” policy, it would be easier for more residents to swallow.
Dog Versus Vuvuzela
Here’s a video sent in by Bixman where the dog gets the last laugh.
The Common Crow Is Scary Smart
And if you don’t believe it, take a minute to watch this bird get what it wants by using ingenuity.
