Dear Editor,
The way city council votes on restricting the size of farmland homes will tell us much about whether we have democratic representation in Richmond.
If democracy is in play, the councillors will take one of two approaches. They may vote based on the wishes of the majority of Richmond residents. Or, they may vote on what they judge to be in the best interests of the community.
Either way, the vote would support effective restrictions (without loopholes) in order to maximize the preservation of farmland. We know from a planning committee survey and from council meetings that most people in Richmond want sensible restrictions on the size of homes, as elsewhere in the Lower Mainland. And we know that the best interests of the community require rich farmland to be preserved for food security.
Of course, councillors may reject democracy and vote in favor of the special interests of landowner investors, speculators, and developers. Dollar signs and naked self-interest may cloud their judgement.
Here’s hoping that democracy wins out.
Brian Howe
Steveston
