It has been a breath of fresh air in Town of Athabasca council chambers since the October election.
It is a welcome change to see a group of elected officials sitting around the same council table and attacking issues rather than people.
During town council’s Jan. 9 meeting, council debated whether to give a community grant to a particular organization.
The issue itself does not matter so much as how council demonstrated how to handle an issue amicably.
Although a couple of councillors were very supportive of the grant application and the rest of council opposed, it never got personal. Afterwards, the meeting went on with a bit of friendly laughter.
This is all said with the recognition that it is still very early on in this council’s term.
Let us compare this to our previous council for a moment, because reflection is an important habit, even for whole communities.
By the tail end of the 2013-2017 council, the town had observed its elected officials call each other names in the streets, divide into voting factions in council chambers and come under provincial scrutiny.
It should be noted, the previous council was all sunshine and rainbows at the beginning of their term, as well.
But you have to give credit where it is due, and so far council deserves this town’s props.
Just because appearances are good right now does not mean citizens rest in complacency.
Those in town should stay informed and keep pressing elected officials to “promote the welfare or interests of the municipality,” as the Municipal Government Act requires.
Maybe you could also show up to a council meeting or two and see for yourself how the new council is performing.
