Delisle's Perspectives

Letter in Leader

2011-09-13T22:18:00.002-06:00

Further to my last post, I thank the Edson Leader for printing the letter I submitted in their September 12 edition.

Letter to the Editor re: Edson Projects

2011-07-18T13:43:00.002-06:00

Below is a letter I Submitted to the Leader after reading the July 4, 2011 edition of the paper. I am not sure if it will get printed but want it to get out there.

I take issue with the tone and substance of the editorial in the July 4 edition of the Edson Leader regarding the field house and theatre proposals. Characterizing the issue as it has is unfortunate. I suggest a much more positive view can be advanced and the paper, as a long standing information source in our community, could play a positive role in shaping the debate. In response I suggest:

1. This is not an either/or situation. Both projects have their own merits and will be assets to our community. Timing maybe an issue, but that is not insurmountable. That's why it's called "timing". Both projects will potentially take legacy buildings and greatly improve them. To suggest the debate is one or the other lacks insight into how diverse our community is and it is an insult to how innovative we can be.

2. These particular projects are being brought forward by citizens, volunteers, concerned with improving our community. These are people who are here because they want to be here and want to make our community better. Their meetings have been reported in the papers and radio many times and they have asked for community input in many different ways.

3. Nice things cost money. The everything to everyone multiplex didn't "fizzle out" it was shot down by the community and powers that then were. That nice thing apparently cost too much money. In my view the proposed projects are already the compromise position. It is a leadership challenge to our political persons, residents and greater business community to find a way to make it happen. I think we can meet the challenge.

To conclude, suggesting a "referendum or survey" only clouds the issue. People opposed to these can petition against these projects at many points along the way. We elect our representatives to make decisions on many different things. Many of these decisions are things that need to be done, but most of us don't have the time or interest to be properly informed to make them. That's why we elect people to do it. Their job is to make decisions. Saying some particular thing you don't like should go to a plebiscite gives the representatives too easy a way out. I want to know where they stand and why. And this doesn't subvert direct democracy because I can still petition against a decision I don't like. I just have to actually to do the work to find friends and neighbours who feel the same way. Much like the hard work the people in support of these projects have been doing for months and years in support of these projects.

Arlan Delisle
Edson Resident, County Taxpayer

ok I may start this again

2011-02-23T00:55:00.003-07:00

I will endeavour to semi regularly update this blog again. Or at least provide some interesting links.

Now....I advise you to go to go to ted.com and blow your mind. Repeatedly. You will stay up late. My beloved long suffering wife pointed me to is this. Parents should watch this.

I am working my way through the Ted speakers as time permits. These types of talks are what I miss from being in a university town. You could go to a talk by someone you've never heard of talk about something you never knew you were interested in and be blown away. The web makes living in a small town very different than the world many of us grew up in.

I have taken a break from this blog thing due to work and family. Both have however conspired to cause some (brief) moments of reflection. I hope to continue the discussion and relate some thoughts and interesting links or information.

Election 2010

2010-09-20T23:34:00.003-06:00

As the nominations have now closed, and it was printed in the Edson Leader so it must be true, I confirm I will not be running for Council again.

I also understand there was some discussion in the nether regions of the Internet about mayoral ambition. I guess Mayor Pasychny's acclamation settles that. To be clear there was never any intention on my part to seek that job. At this time.

Between family, work and Council I am finding that there's just not enough time in the day to do it all right. And I feel like the least interesting person I know as I don't have time to look into the new things that interest me, or even just go fishing once in a while.

It is not a decision I have come to lightly. I appreciate all the support from people and greatly enjoyed dealing with council and town staff. I will miss that.

I was last elected in a byelection after Mary Olson passed away. One of the things in the back of my mind when elected was to ensure that, in the remainder of what would have been her term, some of the issues that she had devoted herself to were addressed. In particular I hope that the progress made on affordable housing options would make her happy.

Though there will always be work to do, (we always must keep Moving Forward) I think we addressed a number of points set out in my by-election campaign.

I think public service is important, whether through the political or voluntary fields. Everyone should participate in public life in some fashion. Hopefully I make room on council for another person with the drive and skills to build our community into an even better place. I look forward to continuing my involvement in different facets of public life in our community, just not at the Council table. For now.

I hope to continue this blog, commenting on issues affecting Edson, the Yellowhead region, and the province generally, but I also hope to include more posts relating to my work as a rural lawyer and legal issues that affect people in a community like ours.

Thank you for reading this, thank you for your past support, thank you for the constructive criticism along the way, and I look forward to continuing the discussion.

I am enthusiastically supporting Kevin Zahara's re-election and ask you to vote on October 18.

2010-08-30T23:32:00.002-06:00

Whoa, whats this 2 posts in 2 days? I saw this and it resonated with the issue of civility, or lack therof, I think about often. Civility between lawyers is a subject that comes up from time to time in some of the legal publications I read. Civility amoungst us all is something that often feels lost. Hopefully the good news part of the article is something we continue to see more of.

August 2010

2010-08-30T09:14:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend I finally had time to review my July copy of Alberta Venture and the "50 most influential Albertans" named therein. I was dismayed that I was again overlooked this year, but took some solace at least that Kevin Zahara wasn't named either.

Speaking of Zahara, he has a good run down of the Town projects going on and I suggest you check it out.

I will comment further on whether or not I will be running for council again at a later date. I can however quash one rumour floating around the nether regions of the internet: I will not be running for mayor. I don't have time to do what I have right now.

New Edson Hospital in GOA Health Capital Plan

2010-07-21T23:02:00.003-06:00

I am happy to see the announcement from the Provincial Government today that the new "health centre in Edson" is on course. Credit must be given to Mayor Greg and MLA Robin for their work in moving this forward and I thank the ministers for their commitment. I hope my small contribution by raising this issue with government types whenever the opportunity presented itself played at least some role.

The relevant portion of the announcement reads:

"$108 million to build a new health centre in Edson. This total includes $73 million allocated out of the 2010-13 Plan, which is an increase of $70 million from the 2009-12 Plan in order to build a new facility rather than upgrading the current facility. Construction is anticipated to start in Spring 2012 and be completed in Spring 2014.

The health centre will be built on a new site to provide health care services and programs to meet the needs of the community, including acute care, emergency and outpatient services. Community care services (such as mental health, addictions treatment, newborn follow up, etc.) will be consolidated and expanded."

This will be a huge benefit to our community, particularly when looking at recruiting new doctors, nurses or other heath care people, but also for every other industry here. If you are trying to get an operator, truck driver, lawyer or trades person etc. to relocate here, this could be a significant factor when they consider the impact on their family.

While I am happy today, I will be overjoyed when I actually see shovels in the ground.

By the way, including the "lawyer" in the bit above was not by accident. If anyone reading knows of one that wants to leave the big smoke to come where there is more work than you know what to do with, but can still go to lake/river on the weekend, tell them to call me.

I am humble enough to advise that Zahara Views has another fine update on what is going on in town. I again piggy back on his post to ensure concerned persons see that their tax dollars are in fact at work.

Take care.

Gary McPherson

2010-05-13T23:32:00.003-06:00

A notable Albertan, Gary McPherson, past away last weekend. I mention him here as he was born in Edson, but spent many years in hospital in Edmonton after contracting polio in his youth. His story is really inspirational, and I really suggest you look him up, read his book.

I met him once during his PC leadership run, and heard him speak a few times. His candour and humour were highlights every time.

His story makes you appreciate what you may have, and will show you how no matter where you start or what circumstance you find yourself, you can do amazing things.

http://www.business.ualberta.ca/en/People/Media/MediaReleasesAndStories/2010/05/RememberingGaryMcPherson.aspx

Spring

2010-04-06T23:06:00.003-06:00

I too am happy the street sweepers are out. Many other things are going on, and rather than needlessly take up valuable space on the interweb, I refer you to Councillor Zahara's blog at
http://councillorzahara.blogspot.com/ .

I have to try and keep up this blogging thing, but it has to be balanced with actual work, and I don't want a client saying "you have time to do that, but no time to do my thing".

Despite the dust, I hope spring finds you well.

Olympic thoughts

2010-02-21T23:42:00.004-07:00

Besides work and council and family lately I have been avidly watching the Olympic coverage and have a few thoughts:

1. As a former luge athlete I was greatly saddened by the death of the Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili. You know you can get hurt, and you are always bruised or injured in some way, but that is just beyond what you sign up for. Tragic.

Sport is good. These performances encourage us to be active. Events like the Olympics offer dreams to our young people (and vicariously to their parents). But lets hope that it can be done as safely as possible and that no family needs to feel that loss from a sport, that though extreme in many ways, in basically a fun recreational activity taken to the Olympic level.

2. The cultural events associated with the Olympics have reinvigorated my view that we need to encourage young people, well, all people, in these pursuits as well.

I have only caught a bit of what has been shown on the TV of the related events, but hopefully the Canadian artists that get to perform or show during the games see a related bump in their international profile. There is Canadian culture, and its not what grows in the bottom of empty beer cans after a long weekend.

3. Bringing this back to a local level, I hope that the attention generated by the Olympics will cause us to look at such things like a possible Field House, the new Museum and a possible Theatre in a long term way. We have residents that have talent, or can develop talent, in many different areas, and we have opportunities to facilitate that development.

The Olympics will leave a infrastructure legacy that will benefit current and future the residents of BC. In our own way, we should be discussing what kind infrastructure we want to see to make this the kind of place people will want to live work and raise their families.

Take care.

Alberta's Future

2010-02-07T23:47:00.002-07:00

So in response to the anonymous poster, I have finally posted again. I will endeavour to fullfil one of the key commandments of the blogger responsibility code and post more frequently.

Over the weekendI had the opportunity to attend the Conference on Alberta's Future put on by the Manning Centre for Building Democracy. In the interest of full disclosure I note I attended on my own dime and I am not currently a card carrying member of any political party.

I attended because I am interested in the discussion about where our province is going and how we are going to get there. I like the fact that it was not intended to be specifically partisan, though the Manning Centre was clear from the outset that it was geared towards those who saw themselves on the conservative side of things. I attended also becasue I have respect for Mr. Manning's contribution to Canadian political life and the role he is now taking on to encourage democratic participation.

I think the conference was good. Everyone in attendance was obviously interested in the issues, many had strongly held views on many issues, but many were also willing to listen and honestly discuss options. Time was however short and it is hard to get to specific on policy when you have limited time and information.

It was a success from my view that that democracy should be more deliberative; Ideas should be discussed more fully by more people and hopefully the decisions that get made will be better. I see this as one example if what hopefully will take place in more ways by more people of whatever point of the policitical spectrum they see themselves.

The closing comments of Mr. Manning I think deserve repeating. He asked those in attendance to "discuss, demand and decide". From his comments I took the following:

Discuss the issues.
Demand more information to educate yourself on those issues.
Demand more of ourselves.
Decide what or who to support to implement whatever vision you think needs to be implimented.
Help your fellow citizens to do so as well.

So, though I'd rather spend my limited time off from work and council with my wife and boy, I think this was a good way to spend a couple of days. I hope I can continue the dicsussion with both of you who read this thing.

Remebrance Day, Berlin Wall

2009-11-10T21:54:00.006-07:00

I wanted to make note of the coincidence of Remembrance Day this year and the anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall.

Back in my luge racing days I had the benefit of travelling to East Germany (DDR) both before and after the fall of communism. Those trips had a huge impact on me personally, my view of the world and the way it works (or doesn't).

I recall vividly certain things about the first trip to place called Oberhof in the DDR. We had to check our passports in at the hotel. Anyone who has traveled abroad will tell you the first rule is never let go of your passport. If anything bad should happen, you want that thing with you. But that was the rule and if you did not want to comply, well, you were free to go home. There were only one or two hotels outside of town where we, as Canadians, were allowed to stay. The hotel had a shop where we could buy west German chocolate bars and other things, with western money, but the locals were not allowed to go in. We were able to change some money to DDR marks, but we were not supposedly allowed to leave with any of it. Some coins must have gotten lost in my suitcase though as I do have some from that trip.

I also seem to recall that we had a local person assigned to us who travelled with us at the track and ate meals with us. I don't recall exactly what her official title was, but we basically knew she was there to watch us and whoever we were talking to. I also recall it being very grey, all the time, and that there was often a fine black speckling on the snow (which we assumed was coal soot). I remember going for a run through town and noting the absence of advertising or signs on what stores were there.

From the trips after the wall came down, it was interesting to see the changes from year to year. I remember one time coming out the finish curve on the luge track and the sun was so bright, and in just the right position, that I couldn't see were I was going. Out of all the things I had gone over in my mind and prepared for, I was not prepared for that. As I said, it was usually so grey there. After smashing off the walls a few times, I slowed down enough to get out of the track safely. Now I assume the sun did also sometimes shine under communism, I'm just saying I didn't see it. We were also able to stay at smaller hotels in town and were able to meet more of the local people.

For my young self, I was struck by the experience of going to a place where the people were not free to leave and return, not even free to go where they wanted in their own county and not really free to even talk to us. It was the best social studies lesson ever, and it instilled in me a great appreciation for what we have in Canada.

The discussion above is relevant to what I wanted to say this Remembrance Day. Please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices people serving in the Military made and continue to make for us. Remembrance day has taken on a new reality for my generation. We have our own friends and family who have served in and returned from Afghanistan. We also now know first hand the tragedy and loss when a friend or family member does not safely return. So many have paid with their lives, limbs and sanity so we, and others around the world, can live the lives we do. Please remember their sacrifice.

Bullying Bylaw, Curfew Bylaw changes

2009-10-04T23:21:00.002-06:00

As the song goes, its been a while,

But hopefully I can get back to updating regularly.

As reported in the local media, there is a proposed bullying bylaw and changes to the curfew bylaw.

My thoughts on the bullying bylaw are that I think it is something that comes within the legislated "Municipal Purposes" to develop and maintain a safe and viable community. It is not targeted at youth specifically, and it gives law enforcement an option, outside of the Criminal Code, to discourage harrassment or fighting. It is unfortunate I think that we should have to pass a bylaw to discourage this type of stuff; it should really just be common courtesy or respect. Such are the times I guess.

On the curfew bylaw the only substantive change is to the amount of the fines. To keep the record straight, I was on council when the current bylaw was originally passed, though I did oppose it on first and third reading. On the second reading I brought forward a bunch of amendments thinking that if the thing was going to pass anyway, I wanted it to be fair to kids who worked late or went to school or religious functions that went later than the curfew.

My original opposition to the curfew as really based on two points. One, I thought the mischief being cited to bring in the bylaw, things like main street vandalism late at night, were not really going to be stopped by the bylaw, and second, that I don't like government telling you how to raise your kids.

I also however recognize that there is a safety aspect to a curfew bylaw. There are few good reasons for a 12 or 13 year old to be out in the streets in the middle of the night and being out there can put them at all sorts of greater risks. In the old days the cops would have probably stopped them and took them home. In a post-Charter world however, we all have the right to not be arbitarily detained, subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. Whether or not the curfew is such a reasonable limit is a point that could be argued, but council at the time in its wisdom decided this was something that should be in effect.

I stated at the Protective Services Committee meeting that I will likely be in favour of the bullying bylaw at Council, but I don't know if I'll support the curfew bylaw changes. Your thoughts, as always, are appreciated.

Big Day

2009-07-09T22:25:00.002-06:00

Today was a good day for the residents of Edson and area with Minister of State (Transportation) and Yellowhead MP Rob Merrifield & MLA Robin Campbell here to make a funding announcement. $5.4 Million will be coming to assist completing the airport road and paving connecting to 63rd Street and for building a new museum for the community.

This will provide a significant benefit to the community and I want to thank Minister Merrifield, MLA Campbell for the support. I also want to thank the town staff who ensured the Federal and Provincial Governments had what they needed to support these projects.

As Mayor Greg mentioned at the announcement, we will probably ask for more support on future projects, but today we will be thankful.

Plebiscite Results; National Canoe Day

2009-06-25T23:55:00.002-06:00

Though delayed, I thought I should comment on the plebiscite result. I respect the outcome of the vote and thank everyone who took time to vote. That is way the process works, and I am very thankful for our system whenever something I see something like this happening.

On another note, I see that June 26 is National Canoe Day. I agree that the canoe is really a pan-Canadian symbol and a great activity. Pierre Burton has a well known quote that a Canadian is "somebody who knows how to make love in a canoe." If that was part of the citizenship test, I can't say for certain I'd pass. I have only been out once this year. By myself.

Vote June 15

2009-06-09T22:45:00.003-06:00

I regret the delay in posting. Real reality takes up a lot of time and rightfully pushes the virtual reality to the back burner.

Regarding the run up to the plebiscite on the civic centre, I have to say liked the editorial and the letter in the Edson Leader this week. As I have indicated before, I am always encouraged when people get organized and take action on an issue. It is necessary for our system to function properly.

I am not going to ask you to vote a particular way. The record will show that I have supported the proposal to this point, and also that I am of the view that we have to be conscious of the current economic reality. When casting your vote I only ask that you give consideration to both sides of the question.

Some thoughts I have about the matter, both for and against, are below.

One fundamental fact will remain, regardless of the outcome of the vote, and that is something will need to be done to address the lack of space and condition of the existing building. I think Councillor Zahara covered some of those issues on post he did a few weeks ago. We should also note that the economic reality could cause the project costs to actually be less than proposed.

At this time though, there is great uncertainty as to what the economic conditions will be in the near future. Would the proposed money or debt load be better directed to other needs or wants of the community? Or better not spent at all? Those are reasonable positions.

Regardless of the result of the vote, I think the benefit will be that good discussion has been sparked about what we want our community to become. I plan to do a post in the near future about how we could be positioning our community, both to make through the current events, and also for when the downturn ends. I think we need to ask ourselves some hard questions about what we want our community to be, and how we can get there.

Thanks for taking an interest civic matters and I look forward to any comments you may have.

Land Stewardship Act; Yay, no snow...

2009-05-22T14:59:00.002-06:00

I have been trying to set aside some time to look into Bill 36, The Land Stewardship Act, and see how it might impact land use planning at the local level. If I am not mistaken, it seems to reintroduce regional planning mechanisms similar to those that were dropped in the 90's. It may lead to the need to amend local Land Use Bylaws to comply with regional plans.

I haven't formed an opinion yet on whether it will be good or bad. As with many things, the real impact will be in the details. Regional planning makes sense in many respects because the greater community can be impacted by local land use decisions, (i.e. where should residential or industrial development happen). The political or municipal boundaries sometimes create a false division when those decisions affect people on both sides of the boundary. Regional planning can fail though if enough people feel they aren't getting a fair hearing on legitimate concerns.

If you have thoughts on Bill 36 or land use planning in general please let me know.

Now on a point that I am sure we all can agree, the sun is shining and that snowy unpleasantness is behind us. Have a good weekend.

Budget 2009

2009-05-09T11:09:00.002-06:00

So from the committee meeting last Tuesday it is looking like a 3.9% increase in tax revenue will be needed (at least that was what the Personnel and Finance committee voted on). Budget discussions are always difficult as there are many things that could be done, many things that should be done, and many things that have to be done.

Some of the key underlying issues from what I see are that:

Entities that get funding from the Town at large, such as the Library and Evergreens (seniors housing) require larger contributions;
Like everyone, the Town has to plan that things like gas, power, and wages will go up;
Though there is uncertainty regarding the economy overall, I think it would be short sighted right now to cut things that provide value for the community. There is always uncertainty of some sort, we just have to try and make good long term decisions.

Now due to the magic of Market Value Assessment, some people may actually see a tax decrease, while others may see an increase.

Fundamentally, I, like many others, would prefer to see lower taxes. It would be great if the new assessment (i.e. development that wasn’t there last year) could increase each year proportionately to the increase in expenses. And there should always be an eye to whether the money that is being spent can be spent better. I also see government doing things that, on our own, we would not have the resources to do. I also would also like to see us operating, as much as possible, with a pay as you go type mentality. That means we don’t cut today, only to increase the burden tomorrow.

And for interest sake, if you have questions relating to things like the assessment and budget differences between, say the Town and the County, or the Town and other municipalities, I suggest that people take a look at financial stuff on this site:

http://www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/mc_municipal_profiles.cfm

Approach with caution though, you can’t necessarily correlate each line between each municipality, but it provides some interesting information.

Arts on Fire, Palette and Pottery

2009-05-01T16:31:00.002-06:00

It is a good couple weeks for the arts in our area. Last Saturday I attended the Veselka Ukrainian Dance year end concert in Edson, as well as the Arts on Fire event in Hinton. I heard there was a good play on at the Red Brick this week and I know there will be some good art for sale this weekend.

The Arts on Fire event was a great show with talent and presentations from all over the region. I am hopeful that the Creative Campus proposal can be successful and that it will become a great regional asset.

While at Arts on Fire I had the opportunity to speak to the Honourable Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. Sounds like he has one of the best roles in government; gets to see lots of shows, help Albertans tell our stories. I made sure to mention that that we may need his department's assistance regarding an arts centre for Edson.

I note also that the Palette and Pottery sale is on this weekend at the Library. When I moved back from the city a couple of years ago, one of the things I missed was being able to walk around the downtown art galleries on a Saturday morning. The quality of the paintings, photos and pottery you will see at the Palette and Pottery sale is as good or better than what you will see in the city, and is usually very reasonably priced.

Spring?

2009-04-24T11:10:00.003-06:00

Now, though I am a winter person (recall this time in my life), I am having a hard time with snow at this point in April.

Councillor Zahara gave a run down on last Tuesday's meeting here, and I echo the comment about respecting the decision of council. I said my piece in an earlier post and at the meeting, and I reiterate that the Legion members do a lot of good work in our community.

Jambeeree

2009-04-19T20:34:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to clarify my comments reported in the Edson Leader last week relating to the proposed beer garden on Main during the Sidewalk Jamboree. I am not necessarily opposed to it. I just wanted to get some resident feedback about it.

I have always thought of the Sidewalk Jamboree as the social event of the summer when you are 13 years old. And it gets everyone else out for an elephant ear and some exposure for local business and non-profits.

My initial thinking was that we have many other events that have a beer related component to them; do we need this one to have that too? It is OK after all to show our kids that you can have a fun event without having a drink.

Now, I have been known to have the odd one at the ball game and I know that the Legion does many good things with the money they raise. I just wanted to get some feedback.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Centennial Planning

2009-04-16T13:15:00.003-06:00

The Centennial Planning Committee met again last night and things are beginning to take shape. In some ways it seems early to get started for the 2011 centennial. But if we want some great events, with some big name performances or attendees, we have to get started now.

I am very hopeful with the discussion that has gone on so far and grateful to former MLA Ivan for getting people organized.

There will be info and volunteer sign up sheets at the Chamber Trade Show this weekend, so stop by the Town booth and sign up if you might be able to help.

What I hope to do with this

2009-04-14T12:52:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Councillor Zahara for encouraging the online discussion and encouraging me to take it on as well. See him at http://councillorzahara.blogspot.com/

I see the role of a councillor having a number of components, but some important ones are to:

1. take views of residents to council and adminstration; and
2. try to make sure that people have the information necessary to make informed decisions.

Hopefully this will be a forum to aid in that. I talk to a lot people in our community, but I know that there are lots I may not have had an opportuntity to run into. If this opens up a line of communication to people not usually involved in the discussion, then it will be a success.

I hope to post once or twice a week, so check back to see whats new!

Start up

2009-04-13T21:29:00.002-06:00

Posts coming soon!