I have been observing the Fire Hall debate since it began. I have attended open houses, the majority of ASC meetings and toured the present Fire Hall with the Chief and Deputy for over an hour early in the process.
I was impressed with how the ASC committee members thrashed through issues until each member was satisfied they understood sufficiently to vote. In voting, there was always a high degree of consensus. The Affordable Fire Hall Committee member was usually the only member to vote against progress. In fact, he bullied the other members. When things did not go his way he would sigh heavily: this is passive aggressive behavior which is particularly nasty. He accused other members of not reading their material. When he did not get his way with the site resolution he packed up his stuff and left – not immediately – later. This fact was recorded in this newspaper.
The Affordable Fire Hall Committee came and presented to the ASC once and immediately left. They have repeatedly failed to listen to rational thought. The Affordable Fire Hall Committee have come with the attitude of “we have things to say that you guys need to hear”; but they fail to listen themselves.
Their member that got elected to council does not listen either. She still believes the old fire hall can be made safe by “cleaning the ducts”. I heard her say this at the election forum at the end of the debate. This is in spite of Fire Wise Consulting making it clear that the fire hall is not safe.
I could go on.
To gain back credibility and my respect and trust, Affordable Fire Hall Committee members must change their behavior. They must: 1) Respectfully listen to others than themselves, 2) Stop the bully behavior, 3) Stop spreading misinformation and 4) Accept defeat when they’ve lost, and move on.
I am so very glad we have five councilors and a mayor who are so solidly behind building the required fire hall.
Marg Meyer | Creston