As I mentioned in my previous post about the corrupt move by the RMWB Council, I wanted to share any response I received by an elected official publicly. Please note that anything I quote is a literal word-for-word copy-and-paste form the email I received. You can read my initial email to Mayor and Council here:
Here is the response I got from Councillor Keith McGrath:
Thanks sir, I’m standing Beijing the need for more hours not dollars simply put that’s not the idea, rather than jump in. The next public meeting you’ll find why there’s merit and Todd this ain’t the last of leadership that may not please all.
With Respect
Mcgrath
Sent from my iPad
My response to him:
Thanks for the response Keith...as I mentioned, I'll be sharing it publicly...
I'm kind of confused when you say "the need for more hours not dollars"...if money is not the issue, then why not just work more hours as it currently stands? I highly doubt that there's some sort of time limit that you have to adhere too that physically prevents you from "working" more then x amount of hours per week. Many Councillors in the past have gladly put in "full-time" hours under the existing compensation structure cause they knew it was the right thing to do as an elected official. This leads me and many others to believe that the motive behind this is greed, be it on a money side or some kind of power/control perspective.
It's interesting that you say "The next public meeting you’ll find why there’s merit..". Perhaps in the future, you can ensure the public knows the merit before making a rash decision that excludes any sort of public engagement...being an elected official and all. If it's the next meeting that "all this is coming to light" then why the rush to push the vote last week??
I also find it interesting that you say "Todd this ain’t the last of leadership that may not please all"...as much I'm sure we can debate view points and opinions, the fact that this move was pushed through very underhandedly more-or-less proves there's a hidden agenda to it. While I don't claim to know everyone in the community, I can honestly say I have not seen or heard anyone that thinks this move is a good thing so in a world that is so polarized, I guess it's a good thing the community if finally coming together over a specific topic.
Regardless, we can go back and forth on merits all we want. The public still hopes that a Motion to Reconsider is brought forward at the next Council Meeting. Until then, the petitions for Municipal Affairs to step-in as well as any recall votes under the MGA will be in full swing I imagine.
Thanks again for the response.
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Todd Hillier
But wait, there’s more…
I got two emails from Councillor Kendrick Cardinal (I removed his cell phone number just as a precaution):
Please take the time to re read the motion on agenda item 6.4 of council meeting on Tuesday
“That councillors become full time as opposed to part time effective June 12 2024
In no place does it say anything about renumeration or increase in salary ..
There will be more to come and you will be given a chance to debate . Keep your eyes peeled and come to the council meeting and show support of this great council .
I look forward to seeing you there .
I am glad that this has gotten a lot of attention tin as copy coil meetings should bring in the community involvement because of its importance
Thanks you so much . Have great day
If you have anymore questions feel free to contact me at XXXXXX
I look forward to it
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 13, 2024, at 8:00 AM, Councillor Kendrick Cardinal <Kendrick.Cardinal@rmwb.ca> wrote:
Good morning Todd
I appreciate you taking time time to reap s to the last council 6.4 agenda item “that councillors become full time as opposed to part time ..
Can you take the time to re read the motion it?
It clearly states that we talking about full time ? Correct me if I’m wrong, according the statements from the municipal governance structure and briefings and approaches , when we become councillors or Mayor our jobs automatically become full time . When I sleep I am full time, I am awakened by citizens at all hours of the night and when breath I am full time . That’s the the logic aournd being a public servant or politician.
Thank you for your email , next we will be
Making a motion to let the picnic know about delaying and attending
Sent from my iPhone
My response to him:
Thanks for the response Councillor Cardinal; as I mentioned, I'll be sharing it publicly...
I'm not overly sure what you mean by "When I sleep I am full time, I am awakened by citizens at all hours of the night and when breath I am full time . That’s the the logic aournd being a public servant or politician"...based on that statement, you are already working "full time" so what was the point of the motion outside of compensation and authority??
I'm also concerned when you say "...next we will be making a motion to let the picnic know about delaying and attending..."; it's as if you think the proper procedures for an elected official and public engagement are something that can be mocked and ignored. I hope I'm reading that incorrectly though cause someone with the voting power to affect the course of an entire municipality should take the proper procedures for the public seriously.
Thanks again for your response.
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Todd Hillier
I also received a response from Mayor Bowman, but it was literally just a thank-you:
Thank you for the email Todd , appreciated
Sandy Bowman
Mayor
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
| ᓂᐢᑕᐋᐧᔮᐤ | Nistawâyâw | Ełídlį Kuę́
I humbly acknowledge that the land on which we live, learn, work and play is Treaty 8 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and the unceded territory of the Métis.
There’s been some good local coverage of this bullshit move that I hope continues; including some absolutely WILD quotes from Councillors that can be found in the Fort McMurray Today coverage.
Be sure to sign the petition for Munipal Affairs to investigate as well…
Municipal Affairs Investigation into the Actions of the RMWB Council
I’ll keep posting any responses I receive. Keep voicing your displeasure to the elected officials!