If my father would have attended the Council meeting last night (Dec. 14th 2009) I could just hear him say if he were alive, “They did something right, by George”, complete with a twinkle in his eye as his name was also George. Of course He would have been correct, as he was most of the time. They did something very right. They demonstrated how democracy can and should work.

They approved with all three readings C-725-09 – Municipal Utility Services Bylaw Amendment. Council passed this Bylaw earlier in the year with 3 dissenting Council Members. Essentially it made the landlords responsible for collecting the City’s Utility bills from their tenants saving the City the bother of collecting its own bills. Now, the Landlords took exception to this and voiced their disapproval at City Council meeting with a delegation earlier this fall and requested that the Bylaw be repealed. They also offered to work with the Council and Administration to help come up with a better solution.

Lo and behold and to the Council’s credit they listened! They went back to the drawing board and came up with a much better solution, albeit not perfect but much better indeed. Any short comings can of course be worked out and amended in the future.

It was an absolute joy to see City Council and Administration demonstrate this willingness to listen their citizens and to make changes. It was a perfect example that democracy still works. Kudos to our Council and Administration!

Last night also demonstrated that democracy works best if citizens actively participate. Without the participation by Barry Twynam and company we would be left with an inferior bylaw. Again, well done!

These actions are proof that we dare not always accept our elected official’s decisions just because we elected them. We must be willing to accept our responsibilities as citizens by paying attention, voicing concerns and at times by challenging our elected officials to do the right thing.

Democracy in action right here in Spruce Grove, By George!