Email from Mark Cafley and Nancy Brooks, Re: Changes to View Royal Council
Detailed opposition letter citing concerns about strategic or political motivation during a health emergency.
From: Mark Cafley Sent: January 31, 2022 1:18 PM To: Mayor And Council Email mayorandcouncil@viewroyal.ca Subject: Council Size
Mark Cafley Nancy Brooks 527 Prince Robert Dr Victoria, BC V9B1C9
Re: Changes to View Royal Council
We have been following the debate as the Council proposes to increase its size by two members prior to this year's election. It is also occurring just as the preliminary discussions concerning the OCP get underway. Council appears to be aware that we are in the midst of a health emergency resulting in poor participation at community events, open houses and regular meetings.
Strategically this would make sense, since council can derive any meaning it wishes from the apparent reluctance of the public to become involved. Similarly, Council can benefit from gathering support for its ambitions as it sees fit now, and also when two extra council members are encouraged to run in the fall election. If for example, increasing density becomes an issue during the OCP review, Council will require input from its residents -- from the same residents who are requesting council to support a referendum at election time on the size issue -- and not simply from its two new members.
Sadly we have heard from some who cannot trust this council to engage openly with residents who, for example, might not agree with placing towers with rental / condominium developments adjacent to, or within their communities. And there is always reluctance to provide support for various committees when Council and staff appear to have the final say. Pay attention to your community.
These are not new concerns. A council is a body that is elected by and engages with its residents. The current attempts to make changes, whether strategically or politically motivated, are insulting to those who care about community. To rush through these changes now, during a health emergency and close to an election, sets the tone for the next four years; participation by residents will not happen if only the demands of a few are considered.
Council needs to understand and respect the community's participation, and if it means that we remain with the present council for the next four years, a proactive and considerate community just might become more involved. A health concern will have diminished in scope, an OCP will be in place, and the respect our community deserves will be restored.
Please consider these consequences prior to your decision.