A Saanich council member published via email on June 1 a false explanation of the AAP: The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the Saanich Operations Centre (SOC) Redevelopment Project opened on Wednesday, May 21 and will be open until June 25. The AAP is needed to confirm public assent to fund the project through borrowing. You can learn more about the process and project here.
The AAP is not a process to confirm public assent. I asked the council member to retract and correct their statement. I also asked Saanich council to correct this statement. Neither chose to do so.
By putting their hand on the scale regarding the $150M spending request, this council member does a disservice to democracy. Our democratic institutions are under increasing threat from well-meaning elected representatives. Citizens need to trust the institutions by electing individuals who step up to support our community.
Instead, we have elected representatives who forget the basic principles of democracy. The redevelopment of the Saanich Operations Centre is a significant public asset. Trying to do an end run around Saanich citizens by using the anti-democratic AAP is proof that citizens need to be engaged and hold those who choose to run for elected office accountable constantly.
With low voter turnout typical in municipal elections, incumbents have a distinct advantage. Unless citizens remain engaged between elections, it is easy for those elected to ignore the trust given them by the electorate. Saanich council’s use of the AAP is a shining example of this phenomenon.
A. R. Taylor
Saanich
