Why is acting Langford mayor Denise Blackwell holding back on expressing an opinion on amalgamation? Perhaps Langford wants the weaker municipalities to speak up.
But I predict they will want to continue their financially fragile fiefdoms so they can block progress and manipulate property owners.
West Shore municipalities ride on Langford’s success, not their own work – they should just join Langford.
Langford Mayor Stew Young appropriately points to the desirability of an analysis of costs, a good idea given his profligacy in Langford.
People assume there would be savings from eliminating the duplication among municipalities and the Capital Regional District, who add another layer of bureaucracy on top of the municipalities, duplicating many functions.
A big risk with amalgamation is building more bureaucracy to exert more control over citizens.
Most important however is policing. Area politicians are irresponsible in funding priorities.
One councillor instigated shovelling $100,000 out to mooching promoters of a TV show, money that would have helped police put more officer time on the streets.
Until voters elect officials who will spend responsibly and emphasize protection of individuals instead of interference with their lives, amalgamation might well make things worse.
Keith Sketchley
Saanich
