Opinion

The 2010 civic election is still more than four months away but residents in the City and in Red Deer County have already been put on notice that big changes are in the wind. In the County, Mayor Earl Kinsella has announced his retirement.

I was intrigued by a May 26 Letter to the Editor in the Express from Annette Gray complaining about the cost of a load of gravel and praising the prosperity gravel brings. Yes, our society is built on gravel.

The fallout of the May long weekend continues with reports that youth were once again partying too hard and making one fine mess in wilderness areas in and around Rocky Mountain campgrounds.

Last week the provincial government sent out a press release announcing five Albertans and three organizations have been honoured for their exceptional volunteer service to seniors. None of those honoured were from Red Deer.

The City of Red Deer has led the country with its efforts to end homelessness. In the province, Calgary and Edmonton followed Red Deer's lead.

During the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games slam poet Shane Koyczan, between all the pageantry and glitz, gave the world his take on what defines Canada.

The renovations to the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, costing at least $29.9 million, are nearly complete. Come September the upgraded facility will at last be reopened for Red Deerians.

The City is already busying itself with the 2010 budget – holding public meetings and forums. That is fine. It is good strategic planning. So now, let us ask some questions.

For Red Deer hockey fans this year has not been the time of their lives. The Rebels were quickly blown out in the playoffs and the NHL Flames and Oilers both failed to earn the right to move beyond the regular season.

Where have all the fine candidates gone? In past Red Deer municipal elections, reams of candidates have stepped forward to throw their hats in the ring for posts as councillor or mayor.