Image Credit: City of Kamloops

By James Peters

TWO & OUT

PETERS: When it comes to the Performing Arts Centre, are there any undecided voters?

Dec 6, 2019 | 11:13 AM

APRIL 4 IS THE DAY we all get to have our say on the latest Performing Arts Centre proposal, and the prospect of funding it through borrowing a large sum and paying it back over a number of years.

Before then, proponents of the arts centre will mount their best campaign to sell why it would be a big benefit for Kamloops.

And if a concerted opposition campaign pops up, it will try to convince voters that this is not a project worth this type of public investment.

Judging from the reactions already coming in, though, the next four months might not make a difference.

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Opinions are hardening into stone as we speak.

Those who like the proposal already know they will vote yes. They liked it last time and they probably like it, even more, this time.

It’s unlikely they will be swayed against it in the coming weeks and months.

Judging by the comments of those expressing opposition, they won’t be moved, either.

Political parties like to appeal to undecided voters, but in this vote, that group may be small-to-minuscule.

And that’s unfortunate.

For whatever reason, our society believes it is better to make up one’s mind quickly and firmly and defend that position rabidly rather than take time to consider.

Indecisiveness is a fatal flaw.

That’s why so many people jumped on Kamloops councillors who said: “I’ll wait for the facts” when they were dealing with Ajax.

Officials at city hall say the next four months will be all about getting the facts out there. But is anyone waiting for the facts?

We should.

There is no reason to make up your mind any sooner than you have to — and that’s April 4.

Take the time to learn about the project, the business case and what it will mean for the local taxpayer — and then mark your ballot.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.