Presently, there are costly mistakes that have been made by the Capital Regional District and Greater Victoria councils on issues like deer culls, the food scraps program, secondary sewage, piping sewage to Hartland Road, CRD wages and the ongoing issue of storm drain upgrades.
There has also been little progress to implement rapid transit, fix the Wilkinson/Helmcken rush hour or Mackenzie/Admirals gridlock.
Due to this, businesses have lost time and productivity. Over time, our region will be facing higher taxes and will make the entire Capital Region a less affordable place to live.
The incumbents have had years to correct these mistakes.
Also, it should be understood that mayors and CRD directors have to be independent and must be able to attend each mega-project meeting without sending an “alternate.”
It’s a poor excuse to claim “conflict of interest,” leave the room, then re-enter the room and cast a vote.
It’s sad to realize there are some people who will not go to the polls in the upcoming municipal election. We need to remember the significance of the Remembrance Day Poppy. Democracy is built on our freedom to exercise a secret ballot.
It has been interesting to see all-candidate meetings filled to capacity with standing room only.
Some of the new candidates offer efficiencies, ideas and an understanding of technology.
We’ve heard from them the concept of open microphones at council meetings where the public is encouraged to speak of concerns not on the agenda. We’ve also heard about webcasting meetings, a mayor’s open door policy and limiting the length of time for mayor and council terms.
Maybe it is time to move some incumbents along with their experience into the federal and provincial arena.
The new candidates are not politicians. They are inspired citizens hoping to change the proceedings and make a difference. The tired incumbents should have stepped aside.
If you are planning to vote bring a few first-time voters along, celebrate the feeling of empowerment. As Albert Einstein said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same thinking that created it.”
Art Bickerton
Saanich
