If you are a resident of Victoria or Saanich you might want to ask some questions about the Victoria-Saanich Citizens' Assembly.
Why are submissions by individuals, plus stakeholders and representatives of special interest groups, all strictly limited to 600 words?
The assembly it seems does not want one extra word, and you are instructed to use a particular word count tool that's provided. Organizers offer no coherent rationale or convincing logic for this rigid protocol, other than 'that's the way we want it and that's the way it's done.'
As a non-partisan, non-profit advocacy group that's been following the amalgamation and shared services issue for a decade, our organization represents hundreds of members, while other organizations represent thousands. Their views should not be stifled or abbreviated.
Why did the assembly hear from an economist from the University of Victoria’s School of Public Administration who started researching the organization and operation of local governments way back in 1968? In our view, the presentation was largely off-topic, factually challenged and biased against amalgamation.
Why are citizens' assembly submissions limited to residents of the two municipalities? In a region of 450,000 people living in the same immediate area, what happens to Victoria-Saanich impacts everyone to varying degrees. Others should have their say on the record and be able to contribute to the discussion.
So, our entire perspective on the issues around consolidation of the two municipalities is posted at www.grumpytaxpayers.com. It may also be read by all members of the Citizens' Assembly and residents.
Our faith in the citizens' assembly process is shaken.
Stan Bartlett, vice-chair
Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria
