MRMA Reviews Past & Present

At the Mount Royal Municipal Association’s annual general meeting last Wednesday, president Lew Greenberg reviewed its present concerns and past achievements in the light of nearing its 75th anniversary.

In his official remarks, Greenberg said that it’s working on advocating “transparent and fiscally-responsible municipal government,” monitoring the Town-centre situation, promoting the continuing development of recreation programs and facilities, addressing local environmental issues, and cooperating with other municipal associations on common concerns.

Later, he criticized the Council’s decision to limit citizen questions to only one question rather than two, and the fact that only one of its directors (himself) was chosen to sit on Council committees whereas previously they had at least one member on each of the six committees. Decrying the fact that there’s no opposition on Council, Greenberg said there’s a great need for his association and other groups to work and fight on citizens’ behalf.

Regarding the cultural-centre project that Council is pushing, the MRMA is “100 per cent against” and will be out “en masse” if it ever gets to a register.

In past years, it has made “many contributions to the Town: fought for “equitable” property-tax evaluations; promoted the revitalized industrial park; played a “leading role” in the fight against forced mergers and for demerger; organized public forums on the Town’s debt and the Merit Crescent condo project; helped to block a proposed garbage-transfer station on its border; worked to have elevators installed in the Rec Centre and the Town Hall; and demanded public consultations preceding arena renovations.

“We will continue to attend all Council meetings on your behalf and monitor Town affairs, taking the initiative to inform you about important decisions that may arise,” he promised.

Board member Farid Tannous noted that the MRMA is 75-years-old will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, adding that it founded 20 years after Mount Royal was officially declared a town. The association will celebrate its important anniversary in October.

Knowing that Mrs. Aikens would feel ill-at-ease with any large sign of praise, MRMA treasurer Kathy Elie presented her with only one yellow rose and a small plaque rather than a whole bouquet and a large award.

Noting that it was a great surprise when she was notified that she would be this year’s recipient, Mrs. Aikens said there are many Town residents who are also worthy of recognition. “It’s both with pride and humility that I receive this award.”

At the meeting, all executives and directors were re-elected since no other nominations were received in the mail. Besides Greenberg and Elie, they are Jacques McDonald (vice-president), Carroll-Ann Carmody (secretary) and directors Rodney Allen, Harry Bedevian, Nicolai Calinoiu, Eleanor Coté (honourary), Brendan Madigan, Barry Milner, Ben Sevack, and Farid Tannous.