Dear Editor,
Consideration is a word we don’t seem to use too often but it is such a descriptive word, so full of meaning, a word that is important to us. It takes the emphasis off of ourselves and puts it on another. It means having regard for another and their circumstances, it is synonymous with kindness, to walk alongside, ‘to put ourselves in another’s shoes’. If we treat those around us with consideration, what a different world we would live in! It smacks of respect, something very uncommon right now.
When one gets elected to office, there are some obligations that come with the acquired territory. One big one is to serve. The town council of Barrhead has a responsibility to the community. According to the Public Participation Policy (Policy 12-024, March 13, 2018): The Council needs to ‘involve stakeholders in providing input into decisions that affect the community.’ It should ‘provide(s) opportunities for the community to have input in the decision-making process’, and allow community members to ‘engage in meaningful public discussion . . . Those who are affected by a decision should have the right to be involved in the decision-making process.’
Barrhead’s Community Standards bylaw’s purpose is to regulate property,… conduct activities of people on privately owned properties and immediately adjacent areas in order to promote the safe, enjoyable and reasonable use of such properties for the benefit of all citizens of the Town’. It goes on to describe property maintenance, and to not allow a nuisance or unsightly condition to exist on land owned or occupied. I wonder how much public input went on about the unsightly mess in front of the mall area affecting several businesses downtown most notably a public restaurant? It was most difficult to find a parking place, let alone getting to the destination. Then, to have my dad maneuver his way around the obstacles and gravel with his walker, was downright scary.
What makes a town distinct from another? Sure, attractions are a big factor. But, the biggest calling card are the residents (how they interact, serve and care about each other) and the businesses that they run. Barrhead has some unique businesses. Service is exemplified by going that extra mile, bringing groceries to a customer’s vehicle, pumping gas for a customer, providing good, quality products with a smile, showing interest in another person. Leal’s and Teal’s is a business that we have come to appreciate. We have come to enjoy the excellent home cooked meals, served with a smile. For months, we have struggled to park, to find our way, to get there.
Why was that necessary? It is small businesses that pay the bills that help make a town what it is. It is consideration for these businesses that allows them to stay. I was at one of the local grocery stores, and talked to a lady who had to commute to Westlock for a job because there were not enough jobs in Barrhead. Why not keep the existing businesses and create jobs especially in these times where jobs are scarce? What about the loss of business that makes it almost impossible to keep going? They need incentives to remain, not rejection. When these businesses are treated with respect they attract other business. Who is responsible? Who cares? This situation is comparable to how our country is behaving. Since when do businesses and citizens have to give and give until there is nothing left to give without any compensation? We need God back into our country, and into our hearts and lives in order to have consideration for those who need it and for each other. Consideration: it is a word that God gave meaning to when He said to ‘Love our neighbour as ourself’. We can take an example from our current governments and fight for our self- interest/issues (not bothering to serve the whole) or we can help each other, serve in our best capacity, and benefit the whole; making Barrhead a better place, a caring community--a home to live in and stay. Wouldn’t that put meaning to the word consideration and put Barrhead on the map?
With Consideration,
Lewis and Jane Elzinga
Peers, Alberta
