Ann Mitchell, the City Manager of the City of Medicine Hat, has responded to a letter from concerned residents about alleged corruption. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat points to lack of ‘corruption’ evidence in response to residents’ letter

Nov 16, 2023 | 6:19 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s city manager has highlighted efforts to improve communication while pointing to what she said is a lack of evidence that there was any wrongdoing at city hall.

Ann Mitchell has responded after concerns were raised by residents about alleged issues with governance, infighting and a lack of transparency.

“I am saddened to hear allegations of corruption without any supporting evidence, despite our best efforts to provide information to those with concerns,” said Mitchell.

READ MORE: Read the full statement from city manager Ann Mitchell in response to residents’ inspection letter

On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, a group of 285 residents sent a letter to Alberta’s premier and other officials, calling for an inspection of the City of Medicine Hat’s operations, the taxpayer-owned utility COMCO, and Mayor Linnsie Clark.

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Cameron McNulty, one of the letter’s signatories, told Pattison Media, “We know that there’s some corruption,” but was not able to pinpoint any specific cases where wrongdoing had occurred.

READ MORE: Read the full letter sent by Medicine Hat residents

Mitchell replied, “We take the responsibility of managing public tax dollars very seriously, and as such, we are mindful of the commitment of time and resources required to address concerns one resident at a time.”

“Instead, we demonstrate our accountability to the community through open meetings and discussion; and comprehensive, audited financial statements,” she added.

Mitchell explained that the city works “to improve communication and transparency on hundreds of topics,” but acknowledged more can be done.

“We recognize that there is always room for improvement in these activities, and we aim to strike a balance between the expenses associated with investing in more resources to make improvements and the impacts that additional costs have on the taxpayer.”

Mitchell said it is important to have honest conversations about the issues at hand.

“As we navigate these complex times, the importance of nurturing and sustaining a culture of constructive conversation cannot be overstated,” she said.

Mitchell did not address several of the specific concerns raised in the residents’ letter, including the frequent rate of staff turnover, a lack of details regarding COMCO’s direction, and other issues.

The office of the minister of municipal affairs has not responded to repeated requests for comment.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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