I read with interest the article which appeared in the June 11 Chemainus Valley Courier discussing the Alternative Approval Process for the new RCMP detachment in North Cowichan.
Voters “… will be given the option to have their say…” by filling out an Elector Response Form. One of these forms had been mailed to my address in Chemainus a few days before the article appeared on my doorstep in the Courier.
I am sure there are many households in North Cowichan that contain two or more eligible voters. So, it is up to residents, if they require more than one copy, to obtain them online or, if they do not have internet access or a printer, to present themselves at the Municipal Hall. As the form specifies, “If you are NOT OPPOSED you need do nothing.”
The mayor, Al Siebring, is quoted in the article as saying that, although he was initially opposed to AAPs, he has now come around because a referendum would be costly and he has seen AAPs “work successfully on a number of other projects.” I am sure they work just fine. The problem is that they are not democratic.
Perhaps the mayor would like to abolish municipal democracy altogether. Elections are so costly.
Instead, you could apply for an Elector Response Form; if you oppose his position as mayor, you could fill it out and mail it in. If you are not opposed you need do nothing.
Gerry O’Toole,
Chemainus