DIDSBURY - Former town councillor Joyce McCoy says she resigned her position because she “faced pressure to remain silent” on her views regarding issues facing the municipality.
McCoy, a second-term councillor, officially resigned from council on Sept. 23.
A press release from the town released the following day announced her resignation but did not say what promoted the move.
McCoy provided a copy of her resignation letter to the Albertan.
In the letter, which was addressed to chief administrative officer Ethan Gorner and town council, McCoy said she strove to adhere to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) during her term.
“Regrettably, I have faced challenges in achieving this objective, leading me to believe that I am failing my constituents,” she writes in the letter.
“I have faced pressure to remain silent on my own views, and those of my constituents, especially following multiple sanctions received within a 15-day period last March.
“The public gag order stunt was clearing meant to stifle my voice and opinions as a town councillor. As a result, I have refrained from pointing out when certain issues should not be discussed in closed meetings. Furthermore I have kept my opinions on key town matters to myself, for fear of reprisal.”
She said “seeking guidance from multiple Municipal Affairs advisors confirmed my interpretation of the MGA has been accurate. I find myself in an untenable position of being unable to express my views or highlight instances where the town may be operating outside the MGA and FOIP guidelines without receiving negative feedback from council and the CAO.”
The Albertan reached out to mayor Rhonda Hunter for reaction to McCoy’s comments.
She replied that her only comments were those in the town press release, which stated: “On behalf of council, I thank councillor McCoy for her service to the community and we wish her all the best.”
