Election was not a vote for amalgamation
Times Colonist Letters,
November 25, 2014
I am tired of hearing how the election results showed a resounding mandate for amalgamation.
The Saanich question did not even have the “A” word in it. Oak Bay clearly voted down the notion. The three northern peninsula communities voted on a specific question pertaining just to them.
Langford voted in favour by a razor-thin margin. Pro-amalgamation candidates were easily defeated in three communities and five communities had no question.
It is clear the electorate expects us to do better and explore ways that we can govern the region more efficiently. There are all sorts of ways this could happen and amalgamation might be one of them.
The idea “Amalgamation Yes” will lead discussions makes a sham out of the whole process. They have clearly made up their minds as to the best outcome and continue to perpetuate the myth that great amounts of money will be saved.
We need a group to be formed that cares about the most important thing, the governance of our region. We live in a wonderful place and we are doing many things well. As we rush to “fix” what some think is wrong, let us be careful not to destroy the very qualities that make Greater Victoria such an amazing place.
There are myriad examples of failed amalgamations across our country. Montreal, for example, is still in the process of “de-amalgamating.”
Do we need to improve how we govern our region? Yes, absolutely. Is amalgamation the solution? No, absolutely, not in my view.
David Screech
Mayor-elect
View Royal
Times Colonist Letters,
November 25, 2014
I am tired of hearing how the election results showed a resounding mandate for amalgamation.
The Saanich question did not even have the “A” word in it. Oak Bay clearly voted down the notion. The three northern peninsula communities voted on a specific question pertaining just to them.
Langford voted in favour by a razor-thin margin. Pro-amalgamation candidates were easily defeated in three communities and five communities had no question.
It is clear the electorate expects us to do better and explore ways that we can govern the region more efficiently. There are all sorts of ways this could happen and amalgamation might be one of them.
The idea “Amalgamation Yes” will lead discussions makes a sham out of the whole process. They have clearly made up their minds as to the best outcome and continue to perpetuate the myth that great amounts of money will be saved.
We need a group to be formed that cares about the most important thing, the governance of our region. We live in a wonderful place and we are doing many things well. As we rush to “fix” what some think is wrong, let us be careful not to destroy the very qualities that make Greater Victoria such an amazing place.
There are myriad examples of failed amalgamations across our country. Montreal, for example, is still in the process of “de-amalgamating.”
Do we need to improve how we govern our region? Yes, absolutely. Is amalgamation the solution? No, absolutely, not in my view.
David Screech
Mayor-elect
View Royal
