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Has Parkade Opposition "Jumped the Shark"?

You can often tell if an issue is gaining traction by seeing who is getting aboard. I am starting to see people from all sides of the political spectrum, from all areas of the community, say they oppose the parkade. Saw the same thing around the ACC proposal.

I think Council was correct in proceding with the parkade planning so that people would have more information on which to base their judgement during public consultation. It's pretty clear  that majority of people who have spoken publicly are opposed to this proposal. It will be interesting to hear the raw results of all the feedback. Some people who may be in favour of the parkade might feel more comfortable providing feedback anonymously.

If the feedback is overwhelmingly against the proposal, and Council still goes ahead, this could certainly become a factor in the coming elections.

 

New Voters Group in Kamloops About to Launch...

Chris Ortner, a fellow I respect, is helping lead the formation of a new voter's group in Kamloops. A meeting will be held Thursday at 7pm at the Rivers Room at the Interior Savings Centre. Sounds quite interesting, especially their focus on public engagement. Here is more from the CFJC TV news story:

A new citizens group has popped up in Kamloops - in an attempt to change the way City Hall operates.

   The Kamloops Voters Society has been officially incorporated - and includes former Venture Kamloops President Chris Ortner on its board of directors.

    Ortner says this is not about running a slate of candidates.

Ortner says they're not political and won't be running candidates. He says Mayor and Council have a good vision and are doing a great job. He says they're concerned that people not feel left out when the City unveils a major project.

   Ortner says the group arose out of objections with the way the vision for Lorne Street and Riverside Park is being implemented.

    In addition to addressing time frames and public engagement - Ortner says the society will offer suggestions on keeping the tax load lower.

    It's holding a public meeting next Thursday evening to drum up more support.

Election Fatigue - hurting Kamloops?

Will there be far too many opportunities to vote in BC this year? I have this big concern that with the federal election and the HST referendum, turnout in the municipal election will suffer greatly. In my view, this is bad bad bad for local democracy in Kamloops. Take the 2012 community budget, for example. Our Mayor has already explicitly stated that the next budget process will be very difficult. The civic election presents a great opportunity for a community wide dialogue on the tough choices that will very likely to be made. But, will people be too fatigued by then? I think those who care about this issue, and I include myself here, should be thinking about how to engage folks in a fun and meaningful way.