Email from Barron Carswell, Re: View Royal Council Size
Resident letter recommending a non-binding ballot question to decide the council size issue.
View Royal Council Size
From: Barron Carswell
Sent: January 17, 2022 9:47 AM
To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca
Subject: View Royal Council Size
Dear Mayor and Council,
Given the current Covid pandemic I have chosen to send my thoughts via email rather than attend an open house on this subject. I suspect that I am not alone and that in fact, the pandemic may have reduced public engagement on this and many other issues that affect the town.
Although an increase in Council size may be warranted it seems to me that option of a non-binding question placed on the October 2022 general local election ballot has not been adequately considered. Arguably the question of increasing Council size is one that should be made by all the taxpayers of View Royal and attaching this question to the 2022 ballot is an economical, efficient, and democratic method. Placing the question on the ballot has the benefit of increasing public engagement on this issue, possibly increasing turnout in the election (if Omicron has peaked by the fall), and potentially allowing for public debate on the question.
Although the increase in council would likely result in a minimal increase in tax burden it may be a question that is more appropriately decided following 2022 tax assessments. Certainly given the extraordinary increase in property assessments this year, coupled with the reduced revenue sources to the town, increased taxes are likely to be top of mind for many View Royal residents at the moment. I recommend that Council give the ballot option due consideration.
Lastly and somewhat related, I'm not sure the premise that increasing Council size will increase Council diversity. It has been my observation that there typically has not been a large slate of candidates in View Royal elections and that incumbents are generally re-elected. This has the benefit of the council being comprised of experienced and knowledgable individuals that are dedicated to the interests of the town.
Yours truly,
Barron Carswell