Public input reform at Saanich council moves at glacial pace
Saanich News Letters,
February 12, 2015
Re: Council awaits public input report, News (Feb. 11)
A motion was forwarded at a Saanich Council meeting on Feb. 2.
Coun. Colin Plant asked that Saanich allow an open microphone where the public could address their concerns quickly.
During the election we were promised by all, that change would occur.
We learned that the earliest date that can allow for the change was March 23.
It would have been pleasant if the Councillors had agreed to allow the public to have their say by the very next meeting.
The audience left disappointed. I had hoped that an open microphone and interactive webcasting might allow us to remain informed from the comfort of our living room.
Perhaps being a politician would be a great job if it wasn’t for the public.
There are so many things that have to move forward quickly: Traffic congestion, sewage treatment sites, universal by-laws, housing affordability and earthquake preparedness to name a few.
At this rate, very little will be accomplished. The municipalities are setting themselves up to be swept away by amalgamation by not sharing all of their resources.
The voters expect efficiency and the need to move forward.
For now, we are spectators watching a race between the tortoise and the snail.
It may take the prodding of the sharpened pencil of the B.C. Legislature to move Saanich and the entire Capital Region forward.
Art Bickerton
Saanich News Letters,
February 12, 2015
Re: Council awaits public input report, News (Feb. 11)
A motion was forwarded at a Saanich Council meeting on Feb. 2.
Coun. Colin Plant asked that Saanich allow an open microphone where the public could address their concerns quickly.
During the election we were promised by all, that change would occur.
We learned that the earliest date that can allow for the change was March 23.
It would have been pleasant if the Councillors had agreed to allow the public to have their say by the very next meeting.
The audience left disappointed. I had hoped that an open microphone and interactive webcasting might allow us to remain informed from the comfort of our living room.
Perhaps being a politician would be a great job if it wasn’t for the public.
There are so many things that have to move forward quickly: Traffic congestion, sewage treatment sites, universal by-laws, housing affordability and earthquake preparedness to name a few.
At this rate, very little will be accomplished. The municipalities are setting themselves up to be swept away by amalgamation by not sharing all of their resources.
The voters expect efficiency and the need to move forward.
For now, we are spectators watching a race between the tortoise and the snail.
It may take the prodding of the sharpened pencil of the B.C. Legislature to move Saanich and the entire Capital Region forward.
Art Bickerton