On June 10, members of the Sundre and District Aquatic Society’s board made a second presentation to the Sundre town council.
The intent of the three-part presentation was to provide a clearer financial picture, clarify and elaborate on the merits of the Aquaplex and encourage conversation about the future and sustainability of the facility.
As secretary of the aquatic society’s board, I read a lengthy list of the attributes of this facility in our community. During the question period, one of the councillors asked me if I wrote what I read, because it sounded strangely like the mayor. I was offended by the accusation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe that the mayor is a great writer and ambassador for our community, but to imply that the mayor wrote what I read is defamatory!
Albeit, the mayor encourages creative thinking and planning and has a desire to see that the lines of discussion between the municipality and the aquatic society remain open so we can work together to find a solution to the dilemma the Aquaplex faces. He certainly did not write my speech!
As for me, I am very capable of reading, writing and voicing my own ideas, all of which were added to and approved by the aquatic society. My integrity was attacked, as was the mayor’s. This is sad! The disrespect given to Mr. Ed Morgan, our Aquaplex vice-president, all because he dared voice his opinion in a letter to the editor, was terribly unkind! He is a longtime resident of Sundre; his family helped build the very cornerstones of our community.
It is time that any member of the town council not on board with having an agreeable and optimistic discussion and negotiation about the operation and management of the Aquaplex, start listening, serving and encouraging a viable and workable solution without throwing any punches!
The spirit of volunteerism cannot be diminished, as it is what built and maintained this facility — and so many others in this community. Attacking the integrity, honesty, honour and credibility of others should never be tolerated! We live in a democracy: we should be able to voice our ideas without fear mongering and attacks of a personal nature, which is exactly what happened after the aquatic society’s board members left council chambers!
Debra Leslie,
Sundre
