“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” – Gaylord Nelson

Protecting the environment is high on the list of priorities for residents of St. Albert.  It deserves support and our City has been recognized for some of its initiatives. Most specifically the solid waste reduction program.  On June 1, 2011 the City reduced solid waste pick up from weekly to bi weekly and since that time, we have achieved a diversion rate of 60 per cent.  St. Albert is the envy of the capital region in diverting solid waste from the land fills.

Experience in jurisdictions that reverted from bi-weekly to weekly solid waste pick-up  show a regression in the diversion rate with more and more recyclables being buried in landfills rather than being recycled.

Several Council candidates have questioned St. Albert’s commitment to environmental sustainability and want to revert from bi-weekly to weekly solid waste pick-up. Is this really what the people of St. Albert want?  I have met and talked with a lot of residents and believe they recognize the over all, lasting benefits of a bi weekly solid waste pick up program.  I believe the majority of us can see the big picture, the future where land fill use conintually declines as we choose to reduce, reuse, and recycle more and more.

The future of our environment is determined by our actions today,  Will our decisions  support environmental sustainability or will we leave a massive costly land fill reclamation project to our children and grand children?  Which would you choose?

I am committed to environmental excellence.

My name is Wes Brodhead and I seek your support for re-election to St. Albert City Council on October 21.