Incompetent adj. without adequate ability, knowledge, intelligence etc.; failing to meet minimal requirements; incapable; unskillful;

I was going to ask at what point of making bad decision after bad decision we label Abbotsford City Hall incompetent. After reading the above definition from Webster’s Dictionary, so accurately describing the actions and behaviours of senior city staff and council, I realized the question was moot. Viewing the decisions and the fallout/consequences of decisions made by senior city staff and council in light of the above definition makes crystal clear that the correct word to describe senior city staff and council is incompetent.

The fallout that started this particular thought process was notice that ARC would be closed to the public 3:30 – 9:00pm Monday to Thursday and Fridays 5:00 -9:00pm. This is to permit the Whalers Swim Club to use the pool. Having previously stated that the city was responsible for the situation the Whalers were facing, as a result of senior city staff and council incompetence, and owed it to the Whalers to find an adequate place for them to swim I have to accept some personal inconvenience bringing this about.

This pool closure is a major disruption for parents and children, master swimmers training for various summer competitions, water exercisers and other users. There are very good reasons we all go to ARC and avoid MRC. Dumping all these users into MRC is going to cause discomfort and problems for regular MRC patrons as well.

Ironically it seems the only people not currently facing any discomfort or consequences for the fallout from the decisions of senior city staff and council are – senior city staff and council. And despite their finger-pointing and blaming others this situation was predictable and should have been avoided. Even with the few details grudgingly released by senior city staff and council it did not take a rocket scientist to predict it was going to go badly. Tight deadline, winter site prep and concrete pour – you do not go with a company that has never built a pool, especially when their bid was so out of line with the bids from the experienced pool builders.

Personally I have had more than enough of senior city staff and council excuse making, blaming and refusal to accept any responsibility for their bad decisions. I want to visit major discomfort and consequences on their incompetent heads. Since having their heads served up on silver platters is not an option, I can settle for their resignations.

How do you feel?