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Recently on KelownaNow, Councillor Gail Given was asked about the relative merits of a ward system for Kelowna City Council.
This is a system that entirely or partially uses a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood method of electing councillors to stay informed on local issues, while collaborating on citywide issues.
It’s important to note that this is a common democratic process, used in nearly every medium and large city in the rest of the West, including Calgary, Edmonton, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, Brandon and Winnipeg.
It is also used in Lake Country.
Ms. Given said that “the ward system gets promoted every time there’s an election because people would really rather compete with a fewer number of candidates."
It is unjustified and disrespectful to say that any candidate who disagrees with her on this issue does so out of personal self-interest. As candidates we have met with many voters all over Kelowna who support the idea.
We have no potential ulterior motive or interest, aside from one in a free, fair and well-functioning democracy that respects the will of the people.
Ms. Given says that it comes up only when there is an election. Frankly, that is what elections are for. Candidates should campaign not only on their ability to read a council package, but also on their hopes and policy ideas to move Kelowna in a better direction.
The principles of the ward system are no different than the motivations behind having members of parliament or the provincial legislature represent geographic regions.
From encouraging better representation on local issues, to adding more diversity of ideas, background and opinion on city council, to simply improving the functioning of our democracy, we feel that wards would be in Kelowna’s best interest.
It is reasonable to disagree on these points.
We would encourage Councillor Given to engage with candidates on their ideas, not attack the motivations of others, in her bid to extend her career in Kelowna politics out to the 18-year-mark.
We all want what is best for our city, even when we disagree on the issues.
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