Democracy is at serious risk around the world. Extreme positions secure headlines while involvement by citizens in local government is minimalized through bureaucratic processes that often frustrate and bewilder.
This website has been launched for the specific purpose of providing an online communication platform to encourage positive dialogue about issues that matter to our community.
The main reason for launching this initiative in White Rock is that other than the local newspaper, their “Letters to the Editor” column and some “Facebook” sites, there really is nowhere for residents and particularly homeowners who pay property taxes to go to initiate or participate in conversations a contiguous forum about local government.
While City Hall does provide the opportunity to ask questions at City Council meetings, those sessions are restricted to 2 minutes and there is no chance for follow up queries. There is an opportunity to request a “delegation” but those sessions are restricted to 5 minutes and the content of the presentation must be submitted prior to the council meeting for review by City Staff. In addition, a person is technically only allowed to speak once in a calendar year on the same topic. It is possible to ask questions directly of City Staff through email but this form of communication is often challenging to secure a resolution to often complex matters. It is often difficult to ascertain the intent of email communication and explore options for the amicable resolution of important issues to individual tax payers.
City Hall has the flexibility to form “advisory” committees but the current city council has only facilitated three new committees at this time. Experience has shown that committees initiated City Hall often become encumbered by protocols that limit open discussion. Opportunities to discover innovative ways of improving operational and bureaucratic functionality in local government is rarely available.
Voter turnout at the last municipal election in White Rock was barely 30% of the eligible electorate. People interested in local governance are always asking why this is the case. Could it be that municipal government is too complicated?
Take for example the following statement in a recent corporate report about delays in the agenda approval process prior to a City Council meeting:
“The opportunity for a full review of the corporate reports will accommodate the various complexities required in providing a well-rounded and informative report.”
The organizational structure that has been created by both provincial and municipal government bureaucrats is stifling the opportunity for creative and proactive engagement in the governing process.
This site is intended to be a pathway that facilitates greater community interest in how the government in our City of White Rock operates.
We hope, with your participation, to become an online communication hub, an electronic village that helps to connect our residents and generate creative and positive discourse. The site could move us toward a more inclusive and vibrant city that demonstrates how effective Participation in Democracy can be when consensus is found through constructive dialogue.
This site is going to cover three categories of communication at the start, Democracy, Finance and Climate.
Get involved, stay engaged, provide your input and most of all: