Although he thinks it may have happened a little faster than usual this time, Scott Tanner isn’t surprised that tensions have surfaced at the Qualicum Beach council table.
“George Cuff gave a presentation in Qualicum Beach, Parksville and Lantzville on governance and there’s a section that said you’ll find the petals fall off the rose quite quickly for municipal officials because the first thing that will happen is an issue will come up where not all of council will agree,” Tanner said. “One of the challenges is to learn how to deal with those differences of opinion as quickly as possible and I think in Qualicum Beach that’s exactly what happened.”
Tanner said he agreed with Mayor Teunis Westbroek’s Monday night pledge to work harder at working together as a team for the betterment of the community.
“Absolutely,” he said. “We had a difference of opinion and now it’s behind us.”
Coun. Bill Luchtmeijer agreed.
“Our council can work in two different ways,” he said. “One is on a very official basis and it’s kind of dry and that’s it. It makes a three-year term on council maybe not less productive but certainly less enjoyable. I think we should work together and enjoy our company and make this a good experience for everyone. It always makes for better decisions.”
Coun. Mary Brouilette said she was not only on board, but eager to get to work on a co-operative basis.
“Absolutely,” she said. “I’m right on board and can hardly wait to get past this. I think we have got a really strong council and I respect everybody on it. I’m looking forward to the stragegic planning session coming up and yes, I’m on board and I mean it.”
Coun. Dave Willie also suggested the storm at the council table could well be at least clearing.
“That would be great. That would be awesome,” he said. “I think there has to be a fair recognition of a consensus of council. That’s what it’s all about and that’s all we ever said it’s about. If everyone has come to that reality that no one vote counts more than any other, then that’s great. That’s a respectful place to be and that’s all we’re asking.
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