ATHABASCA — Comments made by an Athabasca County councillor regarding a Hitler Youth flag gained provincial attention and resulted in a flood of e-mails to herself and her fellow councillors.
At the May 11 Athabasca County council meeting Coun. Doris Splane read a statement apologizing for her choice of words in a May 6 interview with the Athabasca Advocate and accepted the feedback from council who gently chastised her for not running her statement past council or at very least reeve Larry Armfelt.
“The atrocities committed under the flag observed flying near Boyle can never be expunged. I apologize that I didn't immediately condemn the flag. That was a mistake. I do not support racism in any shape or form and I'm hoping to be working with my fellow councillors to bring all of this to resolution,” Splane said in her statement. “Here in Athabasca, we are a friendly, inclusive community that does not tolerate racism. Athabasca County is a great place to live, work, and play.”
During the interview, Splane declined to take a definitive stand in relation to a Hitler Youth flag that had been flying over a business in her division south of Boyle.
“People are entitled to their own opinion and I feel I cannot comment on what people do on their own personal property,” she said.
Coun. Dennis Willcott pointedly told Splane he was disappointed she waited five days after the article was published to apologize as he and fellow councillors also felt the backlash from the public.
“I wish you would have come out right off and maybe this would of went to bed. To me today it's too late, I got to be honest with you, I guess it's never too late but I don't know why it took so long to come out and let your feelings be known,” said Willcott. “I feel bad for you, but that's one thing you did wrong, and you did. I know you said ‘I don't speak on behalf of the councillors' but whenever you speak, you are talking on behalf of councillors, and we have a code of conduct (and) as far as I know you're not supposed to go talking to the paper or anybody without talking to the reeve.”
Splane said the reason she did not respond earlier was in an e-mail to council, but did not repeat those reasons during the live meeting.
“I did wrong; I'm sorry I did that. My response as I indicated in the e-mail to you folks was the reason that I did not respond earlier. And I can't make excuses, it doesn't matter what I say, I've learned in this that perception is true,” she said. “And, unfortunately, I'm paying the consequences.”
Councillors Travais Johnson, Dwayne Rawson and Kevin Haines all stated they accepted Splane’s apology adding they think more needs to be said.
"I also accept Doris's apology to us, however, I do suggested you're going to have to apologize to the public; they're the ones that are really offended," said Rawson.
Haines added what was said does not reflect the woman he has worked beside for many years on council.
“I've worked with you a long time Doris and I know you made a slip up; I mean it happens, we've all been there over the years, but I think you've apologized to us and if you can apologize to the public, I think that would be great,” Haines said.
Armfelt said not much could be discussed about the flag as it is under investigation by the RCMP and kept the topic on Splane's apology.
“My observation is that Doris you made a mistake,” Armfelt said. “Your comments were not agreed upon by any of council, but council is saying that they're accepting your apology … and with the recommendation that you work with administration to create a press release to the public.”
Council directed Splane to work with administration to craft a public apology which was issued within a couple of hours and reiterated Splane's statement to council.
"On Thurs., May 6, I made some comments with respect to an inappropriate flag that was being flown in the Division of Athabasca County that I represent. It’s important to note that I was not speaking on behalf of the County at that time," read the statement. "I sincerely apologize that I didn’t immediately condemn the flag. This was wrong and I am deeply sorry for the offence I have caused. I do not support racism in any shape or form, and neither do the people of Athabasca. We are a friendly, inclusive community that welcomes all. I have taken time to reflect and I commit to doing better in the future."
