Individuals need to work together for the community
By Lethbridge Herald on July 8, 2022.
Editor:
Everybody talks about politics but nobody does anything about it.
Issues shaping our society and community boundaries are not a game or team sport. More empty promises are not the solution. Individual movement is needed.
Thank goodness our ancestors did not evade their responsibilities. They met in town halls or whereever was necessary to form a community which worked together to build our future.
I believe the following three actions would be a good start and encourage others to voice further suggestions or concerns.
* Show we are paying attention:
Once a week contact a representative regarding issues that are of concern to you. Value their time and attention by being brief. Not all messaging needs to be negative. Positive messages build relationships and can encourage momentum in a given direction. Civility allows both sides to state objectives clearly and focus on solutions. “Out of sight, out of mind.” Keep your interests and concerns out front. Voice your opinions to friends. It may be uncomfortable so start with the ideas and plans you agree on. Opinions like relationships evolve over time.
* Request term limits for public office and positions:
Make it clear your support has limits. Guidelines would discourage nepotism or direct transfer of authority. Eliminating career politicians and appointees would reduce the influence of large corporations and special interest groups. The cost of running for office could be reduced while generating new ideas and greater community involvement. Pensions could be eliminated or reduced.
* Encourage more people to run as independents:
Representatives would represent their community, not party. They would caucus but with less defined leadership. Each would be free to seek out like-minded individual to pursue their mutual platforms. Voting in agreement with traditional parties would be possible if it aligned with a representative’s primary responsibility to their own community. A brain trust of previous members could provide guidance and continuity.
We are human and will often disagree. Tempers will flare. With mutual effort and a willingness to compromise, our community will grow and thrive. Whatever your age or interests please speak up for the silent majority.
Bernie Pigeau
Lethbridge
15-14
Would be a great idea Bernie if most of us were not busting our butts-off 12hrs or more a day just to keep the lights on and food in our stomachs!
Sad; but too true!
I agree with parts of your letter! Too many people sit back when important decisions need to be made on issues, thinking ‘I cannot make a difference’, but they can.
Many told us that we couldn’t shut down the SCS, but we did! Many said the group who worked tirelessly to shut down the LOPS illegal tent setting up in parks in Lethbridge would never be shut down . . . but it was by bringing in the Alberta govenment and making people aware of what was going on in this city.
Through all of my protests to shut down these groups I never made it personal, hating my appointment, but focused on the subject, the issue. Retired Mayor Spearman and I had many exchanges, but I still respected him personally.
I had the priviledge of working in City Hall for over a year in a support role and I will state that these men and women faced multiple threats, angry comments, without understanding that they cannot wave a magic wand and make everything better . . . it takes time to enact many decisions made and I had a rare opportunity to work with a dedicated group of people that were there for their fellow citizens and many times watched them do everything in their power to assist people in resolving their issues.
COVID created issues that caused many to work from home, which changed the service they were able to provide . . . if you think you didn’t like the reduction in services, they were disappointed they were unable to provide that excellent level of service they were used to providing. It was their choice!
The world has changed . . . people need to understand that . . . we are facing some difficult times and there will be more change in the future . . . hate will only make the problem worse.
Right now we need to be working together, all political parties need to stop trying to tear down other parties and goverments and unite as one to bring this country back . . . UNITED!
For the last 20 years I have watched this country fracture, dividing into special interest groups, all with their own demands, further tearing our country apart.
I considered volunteering for a committee, but even those members face abuse and threats! High stress and no pay!!!
We need educated politicians in positions, although some of the best leaders were not Political Science trained . . . Ralph Klein for one!
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!
It is time we stood united once more!
What you are saying, Barry, is nice and all. Except you are calling people you don’t agree with ‘special interest groups’. You ‘defeat’ people who support safe consumption of addictive drugs, but somehow we should be ‘UNITED!’ nonetheless. If you are seeking unity you will have to discover the reality that not all people embrace neoliberal values.
Great points, Bernie; for those in public office of any kind. Thank you.
Citizen Assemblies were formed thousands of years ago and did just that. They accepted responsibility for the betterment and welfare of their community on a volunteer basis. It is possible for it to happen again.
While it sometimes may not feel like it, or look like it. Lethbridge has done some amazing things to gain positive attention; The Amazing Race, The # 10 Ranking in Cities under 200,000, the recent curling event at the Enmax, Street Wheelers, The Air Show, the Dragon Boat races etc.
Kudos to all those who volunteered and contributed to the success of these events.
It is evident, that with; a vision, a willingness, hard work, commitment, passion and compassion; people can come together and make amazing things happen.