Dear Editor,
Re: Province wants MD back in partnership – Western Wheel Dec. 8
There are interesting dynamics in the Provincial initiative aimed at coaxing Foothills back into the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP). Bottom lining it, the Province can normally exert considerable leverage on municipal councils, being a major source of finance. Even a slight delay in funding can serve to dramatically focus council’s attention.
Having said this, the new Foothills council appears united and well focused. Regarding the CRP, having Larry Spilak as our new reeve must be good news, inviting a robust, no-nonsense response to any new Provincial initiative. Spilak has a particular interest, representing Division 6, one of the preferred CRP locations for the highly controversial Compact Urban Nodes, commonly referred to as ‘blue blobs’.
From the Provincial perspective, the likelihood of a successful approach is in no way guaranteed. Yes, Ray —my way or the highway — Danyluk has been replaced by Hector Goudreau in Municipal Affairs, and who hopefully has the common sense to listen to Foothills’ concerns this time around. Understandably, politicians now have a firm eye on the next provincial election, which looms ever closer. So risking the alienation of potential voters in the municipality with yet another attempt to force the CRP on us unchanged could be a less than smart move.
The royalty debacle and now the health services mess remain front and centre concerns for many. Also, as everyone knows, the Wild Rose party is very much on the upswing in our area and would undoubtedly relish any perception of heavy-handedness by Minister Goudreau in trying to coerce Foothills into re-joining the CRP in the absence of major change.
On a final note, Premier Stelmach may wish to tread carefully should he seriously consider replacing Highwood’s tried and tested MLA George Groeneveld. Living locally, Mr. Groenveld is totally in tune with the needs of our municipality. Importantly, he is a popular and highly respected member of the community. Sure, Finance Minister Ted Morton maybe a smooth operator, however, he is not local and could face a very serious problem running against an increasingly popular young lady. One should not forget that as former Minister for Sustainable Resource Development, Morton penned the Land Use Framework. Since legislated as the Provincial Land Stewardship Act, this legislation is going to have specific and not necessarily positive impact on Foothills landowners and is viewed with real concern.
Nicholas Worthington
Millarville
