The Editor,
The upcoming civic election is a chance for us to have a say in how our city is run. Many will complain and fewer seem too vote. The multitude of candidates can be somewhat perplexing and sorting out platforms is equally daunting. I, however, see this as a chance to renew the vision for our city.
The current crop of councilors and the mayor are mostly way past their best before date. High rise towers and bike lanes (apparently our council is trying to emulate Vision Vancouver to attract youth votes) are promoted at the cost of ignoring many capital projects that are far more needed.
We have had many pedestrian incidents in our city in the last while, yet it only seems to get any notice once someone dies. The new crossing on Steveston Highway at Bonavista is an example of this.
In the past we have spent money on safety because planners were intuitive enough to realize inherent danger, and we built crosswalks and the like. Now, with these ego maniacal councillors, we get public art, huge compensation for civic employees, appointed boards to oversee investments that are failing to meet expressed fiscal goals and general indifference by the elected officials.
We need renewal and we need it soon, I will be the first to say I will not vote for any incumbent due to the indifference shown by them on commonsense initiatives.
R. Isaak
Richmond
