Dear Editor,
I read quotations from our MLA, RJ Sigurdson, with interest. I’m particularly pleased to read his statement that “I’m always here, I’m always available, I never shy away from the difficult conversations,” as this is what I expect from elected officials.
While some of my High River colleagues have interacted with him, I have not had any meaningful reply to personal correspondence with him.
I have sent two heartfelt, detailed letters of concern to Mr. Sigurdson’s email (in March and May) and received only one canned, talking-point based, response from his staff.
I have not sent additional letters as it feels like an exercise in futility. The experiences of other physicians and at least one allied health professional in town have been similar.
While I realize that a local backbencher MLA has limited power (particularly with our current government’s top-down approach), it would have been nice to receive a meaningful response, or at least know my letters were read.
I would hope that the government, and particularly my local MLA, would acknowledge my concerns (and those of any citizen on any topic, whether expressed by letter, email, phone, or in person), even if they disagree with my position. Isn’t democracy about discussion?
Sincerely,
Troy McKibbin
Okotoks family physician
