Image: CFJC Today / Kamloops City Council Meeting / Dec. 13, 2022

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: We are not alone

Apr 2, 2023 | 7:08 AM

USUALLY, THAT PHRASE IS USED to refer to the belief that we are not alone among the galaxy and stars, that there are other life forms we know nothing about. It’s a subject that has been speculated upon for centuries.

But today, I’d like to use the phrase in another way. As you know, the Tumultuous Capital of Canada has been making news around the country recently because of the infighting between Mayor and Council. The big city media have noticed us, particularly the fact that the entire council has banded together against the Mayor. That very seldom happens.

The good thing is that because councillors are united, business is still being done. We are still able to function, despite the acrimony that exists. And that’s positive.

The situation is stressful, but the City can still make progress. Compare that with Prince George School Board, where two Board members and the Superintendent have resigned, the 7th such resignation by a Superintendent in seven years. The Board is clearly split and it has slowed progress terribly. And it is terribly costly.

Vancouver Sun columnist Daphne Bramham recently outlined a whole string of issues in various small communities from Tahsis to Harrison Hot Springs. In one case, in Tahsis, a councillor grabbed the gavel from the deputy mayor during a loud debate. In the community of Lions Bay, Ken Barry won last fall’s election by just 18 votes. Since then, 10 employees have left, including five senior staff. One councillor has also left. This week, a councillor in North Saanich resigned in frustration after referring to the Mayor as “Mr. Hitler” during debate.

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So what’s the answer? Is this the tip of a large iceberg? Debate at political meetings has often been loud and acrimonious, but we seem to be reaching a new level that almost borders on hatred. And it needs to stop.

Maybe the government’s idea of a municipal watchdog to identify problems and try to remedy disharmony is a good one. But we also have to remember that voters elected these people to represent them, and sometimes you have to allow democracy, frail as it is, to take its course.

As we’re finding out, it isn’t always a pretty sight.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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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 Pattison Media.