Dear Editor,
The amalgamation of Turner Valley and Black Diamond has just completed the first year as Diamond Valley. Is it perhaps premature to do a look back analysis of whether the decision to amalgamate was successful?
The arguments made during the amalgamation process at different times and by different political representatives were along the lines that success will require a number of years to determine. A significant financial savings however was indicated, eventually.
An agreed definition of success was not fully developed. The most likely definition of success in the minds of the residents is reduced taxes and/or reduced utility rates... maybe even status quo.
A recent open house on a proposed utility rate increase by council was not well received and sent back to the drawing board.
The second year of the new town will be interesting to watch as council decides on property tax and utility rate notices, yet to be mailed out.
Until some degree of settlement occurs that reassures the residents that council has town services and costs aligned with expectations of lower costs and improved services related to the benefits of amalgamation, residents will be attentive to the promises made.
Democracy is built on the principle of consent of the people and this principle may have been a safe reference point in the case of the formation of Diamond Valley. The people, however, were not given the right to vote on amalgamation and therefore, the consent of the people was not secured.
Barry Williamson
Turner Valley
