If you’re wondering if Chinese-only signage is an election issue, check out the Richmond News’ Facebook page.
In last Wednesday’s paper, we ran an “Election Issues” page on the debate.
As a result, comments on our Facebook page have been vociferous, reaching thousands of users in mere hours. It’s one of the most-reached stories in recent memory. The issue is also regularly picked up by regional, and sometimes national, media.
The general sentiment is that there should be at least some English on all signs, be they private business displays or development placards.
But regardless of where one comes down on this debate, it’s clear Richmond residents have strong opinions and want councillors to stop sitting on their hands.
It’s time to deal with Chinese-only signs, one way or another. Is this a vocal minority? Or is this a strong majority? While we suspect the latter, city staff couldn’t tell us, since they’ve never been directed to study the issue. And that is council’s failure in a nutshell.
There are few circumstances that bring people to their feet and lead a march to city hall, as was the case with this sign issue last spring.
The fact public concerns were ignored (taken as “information”), and that some councillors still think it’s not an issue and/or refuse to take a stand, is symptomatic of this current council’s perceived inability to stray from its own agenda and listen to others.
Perhaps it’s not surprising a near-record number of people are lining up at the doors of city hall to run for council, with most calling for more engagement and transparency, something the News will address next week. The Chinese signs issue needs to be addressed.
Richmond residents are getting lost, in more ways than one.
