Regional issues dominate concerns
Earlier this month Saanich held two public consultation sessions.
At the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, the evening attendance was about 15, three of whom were there specifically to talk about amalgamation and regional issues. That is whopping 20 per cent of those who turned out.
This was ironic in the context of the session, which was entitled “together we are stronger.”
It was also apparent on reviewing the feedback of other participants that most issues are, in fact, regional issues, and would be better addressed by a governance model that had us all working together.
Whether it is the new recycling, composting, and garbage systems, deer, policing, cycling lanes, roads, zoning issues, road and bridge infrastructure, effective disaster response planning – the list goes on – these are all items that would be better dealt with on a regional basis.
Saanich Council does not seem to think its electors are concerned with these issues. In fact, Council believes that a tennis clay court proposal is more important for public hearings than discussing an improved governance model.
Perhaps the results of this consultation session will inform Council that a good percentage of the electorate cares about Greater Victoria, not just Saanich, and prefers to have a integrated model of governance in place.
Karen Harper
Saanich
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CRD committee sheds light on importance of voting
I’d just like to thank the directors around the table at the Capital Regional District’s Wastewater Committee: you’ve awakened the citizens of greater Victoria and made many of us more aware of who’s who in municipal politics.
You’ve boosted our incentive to go to the polls in the next election.
You’ve brought together perfect strangers across municipal boundaries to create lasting friendships on a common front.
You’ve united us to vote for politicians who will make decisions based on the evidence; politicians who can see beyond short-term deadlines and funding; politicians who are willing to seek the best long-term environmental solution for wastewater in the Capital Region.
Thank you, once again. We look forward to the municipal elections in November.
Dave Ferguson
Saanich
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Two-party system is definition of insanity
It’s been said that the classic definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over, and expect the outcome to be different. It seems there are some people who are pining for a return of the “traditional” parties to a couple of ridings here in B.C.
Now these “traditional” parties are the ones who have led us to our current economic conundrum over the years, either in concert or by coincidence.
Yet by returning these parties to power over and over, somehow things will be different. Go figure.
Richard Weatherill
Saanich
