Citizens of the City Of Surrey must draw their attention to an important issue, which has not received the attention it deserves - the vote on the need of a ward system.
Supporters of the present at large system appear to be under the misconception that somehow it is more "democratic" to elect councillors on a city-wide basis. This is a false assumption because democracy is not and never has been solely about counting noses. If it were, then there would be no need for a constitution or Charter of Rights. Democracy in fact is principally about representation and an attempt to ensure that all interests in society have a voice in making decisions that affect them. This is why we elect members of Parliament from separate constituencies and why each country at the United Nations has but one vote.
Many good councillors have declined to stand for mayor because if they do and lose they would be out of council altogether. In a ward system each candidate has the choice of standing for mayor and one position in a ward.
The ward system also gives independent candidates a fair and equal chance to win.
In present system it is difficult for under-represented groups to win seats. The at-large system loads the dice in favour of incumbency and to councils dominated by powerful interest groups.
The following are some points, why ward system is effective:
1: Your vote carries more weight in ward system.
2: The ward system gives us a diversity of opinion on council.
3: Election debates are more workable in ward system than at large system.
4: Federal. Provincial elections are all based on the ward system.
5: In a city of roughly more than 400,000 people, it simply makes sense to have city politicians take responsibility for neighbourhood problems through a ward system.
6: It would be cost effective for candidates to run campaign in a ward system.
7: In ward elections candidates can personally visit and speak to the households they are going to represent.
8: The ward system prevents the undesirable possibility of having all councillors from the same area of the town.
9: The at large system gives an unfair advantage to wealthy candidates.
10. The ward system means smaller ballot paper.
11. The ward system means every area of the city get equal representation.
12. The ward system encourages face-to-face interaction between candidates and voters.
13. The ward system means less influence from special interest groups.
14. Coucillors will be more familiar with the neighbourhood problems of their wards.
Local government has a big impact on our day-to-day lives. If you want a council where the interests of the entire city are represented and councillors more easily called to account for their actions or neglect, then the ward system can better achieve both objectives.
If you support the ward system, please write or email your views to the city of Surrey Mayor and the councillors. Contact information can be found at www.surrey.ca.
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