A disgruntled Qualicum Beach resident took his frustrations to the RDN last Tuesday night calling the town “polarized” as a result of council’s makeup.
“The 3-2 voting pattern of council has spread into the community and polarized residents,” Lance Nater told the RDN board at the committee of the whole meeting.
“It doesn’t appear (Qualicum Beach town) council wants input from the public,” said Nater. “I realize the issues of polarization and mistrust are not, and should not, be of concern to the board, however, it is of value to appreciate the atmosphere in our town.”
Nater said there is “a real sense of hidden agendas and lack of transparency” in Qualicum Beach.
He went on to voice his concern about a motion currentkly in front of Qualicum Beach town council that would see the town’s growth containment boundary aligned with the town’s municipal boundary.
“On this and other issues council has taken to minimizing public input and ignoring public comments,” claimed Nater.
Qualicum Beach Coun. Dave Willie is the town’s representative on the regional district board and he was the only director who responded to Nater’s comments at Tuesday night’s meeting. Willie said he couldn’t help but take offense from Nater’s allegations.
Willie said he found it “incomprehensible” to argue with a fair democratic process and election where people have the opportunity to see what candidates are all about.
“What is it about the democratic process that you seem to constantly bring up?” Willie asked.
Nater said public consultation is a widespread issue in Qualicum Beach and that it seems “as if councillors are under the belief that they are elected to know best when really they are elected to represent the public.”
