Letter to the editor: Support for Councillor Shaw

Editor’s note: On Oct. 14, 2011, Sturgeon County Councillor Karen Shaw was interviewed by CBC Television. In the interview Shaw spoke to allegations of intimidation by Athabasca-Redwater MLA Jeff Johnson that Sturgeon County funding could be cut if she did not “back off” on her opposition to provincial bills. The following letter relates to that matter.

Editor:

In the last year there have been many Albertans who have expressed their concern about revealing their opinion about the recent legislation, Bills 19, 24, 36 and 50. They have feared repercussions, and though these people have agreed that the bills should be repealed, they have felt that they would possibly lose business, a job, or funding if they were to speak out against the legislation. Obviously, fear is a very powerful tool to control people.

For that reason, I would like to commend Councillor Karen Shaw for speaking the truth when CBC interviewed her regarding her conversation with then MLA Jeff Johnson about the Sturgeon municipality funding that could be jeopardized. MLA Jeff Johnson said he didn’t understand allegations Sturgeon County Councillor Karen Shaw made in a CBC story last week because he simply did not make them.

Certainly, we as residents of Sturgeon County expect and anticipate the truth from the officials who are elected by us. It may not always be that simple, but we don’t want to be bullied at any cost, nor do we want our elected officials to cower and hide from the truth.

So hats off to Councillor Karen Shaw for standing up for Sturgeon County citizens, and all Albertans. The truth is sometimes hard to live by but always worth it in the long run.

Colleen Boddez
Landowners Against Bills Society of Alberta

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