Opinion

The dust and smoke are starting to settle on Fort McMurray and a big question remains: what now? What do we do with over 80,000 displaced people and their families? Some have already decided they will not return to Fort McMurray.

Upon reading last week’s article (April 26, 2016, Page 26A), I would like to clarify that my decision was based not on my preference in the least but, rather, on the feedback I had received from several members of the public.

Wonder when the TV people will be coming to Athabasca to film the new reality show “How to Destroy a Town”? Councillors cannot stand each other, decisions cannot be made, everyone fighting each other, and special interest groups trying to manipulate

As horrendous and awful as disasters are, they have a unique ability to unify people and bring out the best in them.

Heated debate in politics is healthy. Undoubtedly elected officials must fight tooth and nail for their constituents, but that ‘fight’ must always remain figurative. In Westlock County council chambers last month that ‘fight’ became literal.

In the span of a few hours, 80,000 people from the Fort McMurray area were abruptly forced to evacuate the area. Some lost their homes, their jobs, their memories and their old lives.

I am writing in response to your article in the comment section of May 3rd edition of the Advocate. The alleged behavior outside the town office could be classified as unprofessional.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the fire in Fort McMurray.

Fire bans are not meant to ruin your day. They are instituted by the chief of the fire department, during periods of extreme dry conditions, and are done so in an effort to protect our community.

It looks like the town and county, after years of debate, are finally within sight of coming to a recreation agreement.