The Juan De Fuca Electoral Area is a large sprawling Rural region that is in need of deft handling and measured consideration in dealing with the governance and land use issues that arise.
It will be vitally important to elect our next regional director on the merit of their commitment and sensitivity to these problems.
In this deliberation I would like to draw attention to the following:
The Marine Trail hearings generated an enormous expense both in time and legal fees in trying to protect the Regional Growth Strategy from this huge and inappropriate development.
It was unfortunate that Mr. Hicks did not read the tenor of public dissatisfaction much earlier on before he finally had to change his vote at the CRD Board level. It appeared that political expediency won over his years of hard work promoting this development.
The public has every reason to question if this was responsible management.
Here in East Sooke he demonstrated a lack of sensitivity for democratic principles when he appointed a professional blaster to a place on the Land Use Committee, this position should have been filled by the runner up in the election, as this had been his “modis operandi” when a position had to be filled at the fire department.
In my opinion, he has demonstrated that democracy is a tool to be gerrymandered if it serves private interests.
Perhaps another kind of approach is needed that will give rise to a more cooperative way of actually dealing with the difficult issues of governance and land use. One that will explore due process and the bylaws that are already in place, and therefore result in a more transparent and direct way of dealing with the problems that arise. The politics of division and special interest that have ruled the day could give way to a gentler and more considered approach to conflict resolution, and be altogether more successful for the next three years.
When you proclaim “Proven” on your election signs it gives one pause to reflect.
It is at the local level that we need to be most diligent. Let’s all get out and vote.
Diana Pogue
East Sooke