We the citizens of Parksville live in a democracy which means that we vote for our civic representatives and they in turn act in accordance with the wishes of the people.
Democracy is a Greek expression, which translates as, the power or rule of the people. Tuesday night at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre, democracy was nowhere in sight. Not a sniff.
Hundreds of concerned citizens overwhelmed the centre. Having been seated we were told by our mayor in a very straightforward manner that our representatives that we voted for and were seated on stage would answer no questions, none, not one. And they didn’t. The next pronouncement from our mayor said that in this meeting, no video or audio recording could take place. None, not one.
One minute into the meeting it became clear how this was going to play out. The deal, as regarding the supportive housing project on Corfield street was done, the fix was in and all that was left to do before wrapping it up and paving the road to success was to give the citizens the opportunity to speak for, or against the project. Council knowing the deal was a “fait accompli” had to appear democratic so hundreds of deeply concerned citizen stood up and pour their hearts out. It was very much like voting if we’ll have Christmas this year or not, and the date is December 28th!
I felt myself saying over and over “This can’t be happening, not in our Parksville.” Well it did.
Citizen involvement and discourse with their elected council persons takes place in a democracy before decisions are made, not after.
Alan Stevenson
Parksville