Vote on amalgamation would cost very little
Times Colonist
August 9, 2014
The recently released poll of more than 400 Greater Victoria residents indicated a high degree of public support for a non-binding vote on municipal amalgamation. A non-binding vote would lead to a study of amalgamation possibilities. The cost of a vote would be minimal if it was held in conjunction with the upcoming municipal elections.
Why are a majority of council members outside Victoria opposed to asking the question suggested by Amalgamation Yes? If the status quo (13 municipalities) provides the public with the most effective governance possible, it should stand up to scrutiny and comparison with other municipal models.
Even those who oppose any form of amalgamation should welcome an opportunity to find out where the majority of voters in the region stand on this issue. That is how democracy is supposed to work.
People running for council positions could take a position on the question during the municipal campaigns. One reason why the majority of current council members might not want to ask this question is that they fear the answer.
As to the costs of placing the question on ballots — there are costs for democracy; this would be a minor expenditure to finally gauge where the public stands on this issue.
If a question is asked and fails in some municipalities, then the issue will have been dealt with in those municipalities. Where it passes, the public can expect an investigation and a report upon which an informed decision can be made on how best to govern Greater Victoria.
Colin Nielsen
Victoria
© Copyright Times Colonist
Times Colonist
August 9, 2014
The recently released poll of more than 400 Greater Victoria residents indicated a high degree of public support for a non-binding vote on municipal amalgamation. A non-binding vote would lead to a study of amalgamation possibilities. The cost of a vote would be minimal if it was held in conjunction with the upcoming municipal elections.
Why are a majority of council members outside Victoria opposed to asking the question suggested by Amalgamation Yes? If the status quo (13 municipalities) provides the public with the most effective governance possible, it should stand up to scrutiny and comparison with other municipal models.
Even those who oppose any form of amalgamation should welcome an opportunity to find out where the majority of voters in the region stand on this issue. That is how democracy is supposed to work.
People running for council positions could take a position on the question during the municipal campaigns. One reason why the majority of current council members might not want to ask this question is that they fear the answer.
As to the costs of placing the question on ballots — there are costs for democracy; this would be a minor expenditure to finally gauge where the public stands on this issue.
If a question is asked and fails in some municipalities, then the issue will have been dealt with in those municipalities. Where it passes, the public can expect an investigation and a report upon which an informed decision can be made on how best to govern Greater Victoria.
Colin Nielsen
Victoria
© Copyright Times Colonist
