Denying right to speak isn’t democracy
By Lethbridge Herald on July 3, 2025.
Editor,
During the June 24 city council meeting, a motion was put forward by councilor Campbell to allow a local organization the opportunity to present on a topic important to them to the Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee (SPC). This motion was necessary because previous requests to present to the SPC were denied by the Agenda Review Committee, which is made up of councilors from city council.
I find it strange that the request to present was initially denied. Presenting to SPCs is currently the only formal process for individuals and community organizations to bring important topics before city councillors, so it astounds me that the Agenda Review committee would deny a request from a local group.
During the discussion at the city council meeting, several councillors wound up voting against the motion to allow the community group to present because, I have to assume, they already disagree with the premise of the request of the community group: in this case, the establishment of an urban hen pilot project in Lethbridge that would be low or minimal cost to the City itself, and run by dedicated volunteers.
It became evident during the debate that some councillors are unwilling to even entertain the discussion requested by citizens in the city merely because they personally don\’t agree with the request.
That is not democracy. Denying citizens the ability to be heard because of your personal biases is absolutely not the way our city council should be operating. I’m deeply disturbed and saddened that experienced councillors would deny citizens their right to be heard.
With the upcoming municipal election, I hope the citizens of Lethbridge are paying attention and vote those councillors out, or that they have the good sense to go and enjoy their retirements from council.
Kelti Baird
Lethbridge
10-9
not sure why the writer avoids including the topic? i get that the point is not about just the topic at hand – it is about ensuring consistent and true democratic practice – but it would shed light on at least one aspect that a number of council may hold bias against.