Letter: We need all the information on power plant sale

By Letter to the Editor on January 29, 2021.

Dear editor,

The issue of the potential sale of our power generation utility has generated a lot of interest with the citizens of Medicine Hat, the owners of the utility. Social media has spoken loudly that people are not in favour of this idea and certainly not without a say, either through a plebiscite or the election in the fall.

Even the News poll, while unscientific, showed 78 per cent in favour of a plebiscite. This, after Mayor Clugston ruled out that possibility in the Jan. 20 edition of the News. The arrogance of his statement, “it’s a very complex issue … it would take a long time to get the public up to speed” is patronizing at best, but really it is insulting.

He’s taken a page out of Premier Kenney’s playbook. Take the time! We have the right to be “brought up to speed.” Others have detailed reasons to oppose this proposal, so I’ll just say it’s enough for people to express they are opposed to selling the utility and they support public ownership. A friend reminded me the other night, we need not feel shy to state our opinions because they are neither right nor wrong, they are opinions. The mayor and others on council may not agree with them, but that doesn’t make them wrong. Citizens should take the time to make their opinions known to all members of council. Don’t feel the need to be an expert. This council has no mandate to make this decision and there certainly is no rush to do so. On such an important issue we need to have all the information.

David Condon

Medicine Hat

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