Letter: MLA town hall neglects to offer what town hall should

By Letter to the Editor on February 7, 2024.

Dear editor,

I attended the “town hall meeting” on Friday at the Medicine Hat Public library.

Defined by Oxford dictionary as “an event at which a politician or public official answers questions from members of the public,” I expected a back-and-forth conversation between Premier Danielle Smith and those attending.

A rare chance for her constituents to communicate directly with her, as well as an opportunity to hear what their fellow constituents had to say. That is definitely not what happened.

The predetermined questions and the premier’s binder of acceptable responses were nothing new. People wanted explanations, details and dates. We’ve heard about panels, studies and coming-soon announcements, but no set and definite solutions.

What does she actually know about our community? Smith lauded city-owned utilities, HALO, school academy/college partnerships and community housing. All are local initiatives she has nothing to do with.

Renewable energy projects were a positive economic driver, which she stalled with the moratorium and caused job loss.

Smith’s constituents in this “forgotten corner” of the province are very resourceful and resilient, but want her to listen to their concerns as well as ideas, and allow for meaningful communication.

Being premier does not negate the fact that Smith is our MLA, and Justin Wright saying his door is always open does not absolve her of that duty.

Respectfully,

Lorna Campbell

Medicine Hat

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