"The association will monitor municipal decisions to ensure that responsible and accountable governance is being provided to the people of the Crowsnest Pass."

This is the mission statement of the Crownest Pass Ratepayer Association, who made their first appearance as a whole during the Governance and Priorities Committee portion of August 21's council meeting.

On the agenda as a delegation, President, Bill Kovach, used the opportunity to introduce the Board of Directors and deliver their mission statement, while fielding a couple questions and comments from the councillors.

"Our main thrust will be to look at the justification for increasing taxes, increasing hiring and increased spending," said Kovach. "We hope to be able to meet with Council and Administration on common ground to express our concerns and work together to a resolution."

"A lot of the communication falls down because we don't understand you guys and you don't understand us," said Kovach.

In order to give everyone an idea of who they are and what they're trying to do, Kovach offered up a few other objectives that the Ratepayers will be focusing on. They include encouraging participation in the physical, cultural, recreation and social development; supporting participation and foster education in municipal affairs and the electoral process; and promoting resolutions to the concerns of the people, administration and elected representatives.

After Kovach spoke, the councillors had their turn to offer up a few comments.

"If I have a concern, my biggest concern is that at the end of the day, regardless of how much input there has been, council is charged with making a decision," said Jerry Lonsbury. "That will not sustainably always be the decision that you believe to be the right decision."

"You talk about a two-way street, that's totally right on," said Seigbert Gale. "Council doesn't have all the answers, we need input from the folks."

"I'm pleased you're exercising an important democratic right," said Andrew Saje.

In an effort to keep the public better informed, the Ratepayers Association will soon have their own Facebook page up and running. The next executive board meeting will be held in the basement of the Coleman Legion at 7 p.m. All members or prospective members are welcome to attend.

Contact information for the Ratepayers Association Board of Director:

William Kovach 564-4709

Gail Montgomery 564-4077

Troy Clark 563 0381

Sasha JaegerBaird 563 6073

Ed Strembicki 564-0184

Marilyn Milley 562-2719

Marlene Anctil 562-8180

Larry Ruzek 564 4384

Rudy Pagnucco 562-8147