Change is what people were wanting and change is what they got after the polls closed last Saturday. The in-fighting and bad feelings took a toll on everyone, the public included.
The buzz words in a lot of municipalities were transparency and openness and now Sooke has a fresh new opportunity to get with the program. The new mayor has talked about initiating a public question and answer period that is a little longer than the two-minute maximum they had, and that would be a good thing. People want to be able to ask questions about items coming before council, plans in the works and financial decisions. That’s what open, honest and transparent government is all about. No closed door meetings, no behind the scenes maneuvering and no secrets. Council is working for the people of Sooke, the CAO’s employer is the mayor and the staff employer is the CAO. No one should be a lone wolf. This is where problems arose during the last three years.
It’s time to start fresh and carry on with the business of running a community.
Thanks have to go out to the councillors and mayor who were not re-elected. They served the community in the best way they knew how and they deserve credit for their efforts. Janet Evans put in 12 years and saw the municipality go through its growing pains. This new council will have an easier time than the councils that have gone before.
We have a rich and varied community with strong opinions and the need to be heard. Let’s hope the election promises can be kept and we can begin to function in a strong and forthright manner.