Local councillors, worry about issues here
Municipal councillors should keep their focus on the job they were elected for. Running someone else’s war on the other side of the world is way outside their scope, experience and ability.
Most of these councillors are struggling with Potholes 101 so they should focus on mastering that which they were elected to do as no one cares about their opinions outside of that.
R.G. Persson
Victoria
Is Victoria’s code of conduct toothless?
Victoria council’s new code of conduct is a good start but in light of recent events, they may find it needs to go much further.
Since incorporation in 1862, council has not been subject to a code of conduct laying out ethical guidelines for members’ behaviour in and outside chambers.
That changed though when the province mandated — years after many other governments, institutions and organizations – that every municipality develop a code or explain the reason to the public.
So before the ink was even dry on the code, a rookie councillor signed an inflammatory petition on the Israel-Hamas War. It was done without the knowledge or authorization of council, and by a councillor who has the responsibility to represent the entire community. Coun. Susan Kim offered a statement Nov. 20 on Instagram and an apology a few days later.
It prompted questions looking for answers.
Why was the first important test of the new code of conduct left on the sidelines during the uproar? Was the idea even tabled at a closed council meeting but voted down by like-minded individuals and the dominant voting block?
Did council feel uncomfortable about filing a complaint against one of their own? How is it there is no provision in the code of conduct that speaks to these ill-advised actions?
As recommended by the MNP Governance Review, wouldn’t the appointment of an integrity commissioner have dealt with the issue better?
Has council established a policy regarding its role in matters beyond core municipal responsibility? Why shouldn’t public complaints be allowed? Why wait two years to review the code?
When used, it’s hoped the new code of conduct and the 10 potential remedies (which include removing board and committee duties) will help pave the way for more self improvement.
Until then, council will need to keep a closer eye on themselves.
Stan Bartlett
Vice-chair
Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria
Susan Kim made a mistake, let’s move on
The virtue-signaling hyenas are so busy circling around Victoria Coun. Susan Kim that they don’t take the time to think clearly. Just another social media bandwagon for them to jump on, just another online petition for them to add their names to so they can feel righteous and feel that they are taking some kind of positive action against an elected official.
Did Kim make a mistake when she signed that petition, obviously without reading it or considering it carefully? Yes. Has she admitted as much? Yes. End of story.
Surely history has taught us that one of the first casualties of war is the truth. To believe any of the unconfirmed reports that appear on social media is foolish.
To specifically attack someone who questions the veracity of these reports is the height of foolishness. At least Mayor Marianne Alto seems to be wise enough not to be joining the circling hordes.
Rhondda Porter
Pender Island
Legislation will not bring affordable housing
Hang on! Here we go with the history-making rezoning of the province! Single-family detached housing will be no more if you are on a lot with city supplied sewer or water. And this all happens without a public hearing! Do you feel silenced?
What will happen to your property taxes if your property is up-zoned from residential, single family to small-scale, multi-unit residential?
Is it really necessary to rezone all urban areas of the province to this new increased density? How many housing units are needed before a glut on the market occurs?
I believe affordable housing must be available for all income levels. I don’t believe the legislation as proposed will achieve the desired outcome.
Comprehensive planning is required for sewer, water and roads and services such as schools, hospitals, doctors and dentists. Planning takes time and money. Funding from many sources is required. I don’t believe the short time frame as proposed by this legislation will allow a successful outcome.
I am seriously concerned by the intrusion and lack of respect by the province for local levels of government. Our mayors and councillors and regional directors have been elected to respond to the different needs and changing circumstances within our communities. It is my understanding that the mayors are still waiting for a response from the province to their concerns about this legislation.
Contact your local MLA to voice your concerns and to recommend this legislation be tabled until such time as planning reports and funding sources are identified and secured.
Margo Whitbread
former councillor
Colwood
Kicking Horse done, how about Malahat?
The Kicking Horse Canyon project is just about finished. A wonderful, much-needed job, costing about $600 million, funded by the province and the federal government.
It carries about 10,000 vehicles a day. The Malahat carries about 26,000 vehicles a day, and is totally inadequate.
When will it be rebuilt?
Lou de Macedo
North Saanich
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