Coun. Morgan Nagel wasted no time upon hearing the news that former NDP leader Brian Mason was appointed as minister of transportation May 24.
Alberta’s 17th premier, NDP leader Rachel Notley, and 11 new cabinet ministers were sworn in last Sunday in Edmonton.
Nagel sent a letter emphasizing the need to get the intersection at Hwy 1A and 22 back on the province’s books to Minister Mason first thing Monday morning.
Nagel is with high hopes this initial step will make an impression on a newly-sworn in NDP majority government — which has faced much public and media backlash recently with respect to the level of experience of some of the elected MLAs.
“I hope they will be receptive to the message…I’m of the opinion that traffic is the most important issue in Cochrane right now and in the future,” said Nagel, who is very concerned about increased pressures and safety issues with respect to Cochrane’s 23 per cent growth from 2013-2015 — with seemingly no end in sight.
“The time is now to put these concerns in their minds.”
Nagel is encouraging every concerned Cochranite to do the same — and to ensure that local Banff-Cochrane NDP MLA Cameron Westhead also receives a copy of the letter.
Mayor Ivan Brooker agrees.
“Our new MLA has to be our voice…we are encouraging people to write letters,” said Brooker, noting the intersection as an ‘urgent need’ in town.
“I have committed to bringing this to the attention of the minister at my earliest opportunity,” said Westhead, who is encouraging correspondence and letters from his constituents.
The mayor sits on a number of boards, including the Mid-size Cities Caucus. His priority is to get in front of Minister Mason as soon as possible to discuss concerns over the need to address the dreaded local intersection.
Those who wish to write letters to the minister and local MLA can send them via email to [email protected] and to Westhead at [email protected].
