Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society provides grassroots leadership and an inclusive process, with a voice for all community members, to ensure that our community grows and develops in a way that incorporates an environmental ethic, offers a range of housing and transportation choices, encourages a vibrant and cultural life and supports sustainable, meaningful employment and business opportunities.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Councillor Pallesen Offends Gallery with her Statement

On the agenda at last evening's Council Meeting was this item:
10.1 Privatization Liquor Outlets - Resolution that the City of Cranbrook write a letter to Minister Margaret MacDiarmid, opposing the privatization of the LDB with copies to Premier Clark and EK MLA Bill Bennett.

Councillor Warner had defended the motion and given several reasons why he was opposed to the privatization of some liquor warehouses. One of the many reasons was the threat to employment and likely replacement with minimum wage jobs in the private sector.  Councillor Pallesen while referring to information supplied by MLA Bennett, had given the reasons why she felt liquor distribution should be handled by the private sector and then she said,

"I'm of the opinion that if they might lose their jobs, maybe they aren't doing their job"

A stunned gallery responded with boos and cries of "Shame".  Mayor Stetski immediately recovered order with use of the gavel but this was not the only incident at this meeting which left the gallery aghast.


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12 comments:

  1. Michael J Morris ReportsAugust 14, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    I sincerely hope that Councillor Pallesen will reconsider her outrageous comment that was totally inappropriate from a member of council. Pallesen seems to think she represents only a certain segment of Cranbrook's population.

    I wonder if she ever stops to think that perhaps she is not doing her job as a councillor, elected to represent all citizens.

    At the very least she should make a public apology.

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousAugust 15, 2012 at 11:03 AM

      The same thing could be said about Councillor Warner. His frequent contrary grandstanding is not representing the majority of citizens.
      Councillor Pallesen has worked very hard to represent us. I value her experience & commitment. Surely she is allowed one misstep.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousAugust 15, 2012 at 12:16 PM

      Be interesting to witness the service she gets next time she goes to buy some hootch..LOL

      Delete
  2. Joseph PlonkaAugust 15, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    I agree - An apology, no, A resignation, YES

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    Replies
    1. Michael J Morris ReportsAugust 15, 2012 at 6:04 PM

      I am inclined to agree with Joseph Plonka that she should resign after reading her convoluted statement to a local media outlet today. Words chasing words.

      Even after more than one term on council she still doesn't seem to get it that her responsibility is to ALL citizens.

      Delete
  3. AnonymousAugust 15, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Just another one of her " NO BRAINERS"

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  4. AnonymousAugust 16, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    Wow Mr Morris last year you were offended that council and the public were not allowed to express their viewpoint...and now one does..you want her to resign. I guess your wanting of an open council with dialogue is only fitting when it supports your own political ideas.

    I am absolutely dismayed and embarssed as citizen of Cranbrook for the members of the public in the gallery that booed. It was an absolutely inappropriate response that shows total disrespect to the office, council, Mayor and all citizens within this commmunity Did the CLC not originally campaign for more respect by council.... well I think respect is a two way street...again when it fits in with your special interest agenda.

    There are more appropriate ways to show your displeasure of a councillors opinion....booing within council chambers was in poor taste...and I see the editors of this blog have not condoned that behaviour But of course they wont because the booing was directed at one of the councillors they opppose. Fitting isnt it...or hypocrital of your organization. To condone or not to condone...

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    Replies
    1. Michael J Morris ReportsAugust 16, 2012 at 9:54 PM

      Anonymous, I will not reply to your comment directed at me simply because I have no time for those who hide behind cloaks of anonymity.

      However, as you include comments about the CLC in your same post, I make it perfectly and abundantly clear that I am not now, and never have been a member of the CLC.

      Delete
  5. Citizens for a Livable CranbrookAugust 16, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    We report it as it is and do not condone the behaviour. Indeed respect is a two way street and maybe Anonymous should address his/her comments to those involved.

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  6. AnonymousAugust 17, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    The recent abuse of Councillor Palleson by the media is rather sad. She topped the polls at her re-election so she obviously represents a majority of Cranbrook voters. If you think she should resign over one thoughtless comment, you are misreading the public. If you've never made a thoughtless comment yourself, good for you... the rest of us are human.

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  7. AnonymousAugust 17, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Why don't you guys report what she said instead of just a small portion of it? If you're coming here for your city council news it's pretty slanted!!!! Just my 2 cents

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  8. Citizens for a Livable CranbrookAugust 17, 2012 at 7:06 PM

    We reported exactly what the Councillor said. What she said before and after does not change her statement, nor qualify it. We suggest you might like to watch the council meeting on line – the link is on our post notes for council. Alternatively you might like to read the longer account in the Townsman where more of the dialogue is reported.

    ReplyDelete

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