The Tools of Democracy

Despite some recent criticism directed towards the recall of elected officials from public office, it along with initiative is one of the most important advancements of democracy in our province. Without the possibility of recalling individuals or influencing public policy in our political system through a large-scale petition drive, we suffer the possibility of arrogance and disrespect from our representatives with little chance until the next election.

With that said though, voters in civic elections do not have this option. In Langford even if politicians failed to consult us before policy decisions whether it concern the environment, finances, or public safety, even if they disregard the public's opposition or worry to legislation before they even hear it, even if they hide away their true voting intentions through the guise of a city council lacking transparency, we still have to wait for their mandate to expire. Oh, wait they do that already...

How do we solve this problem you ask? Well, it would take a considerable amount of time to set up through legislation and preparation, but we should establish both recall and initiative at the local level in our community based on current provincial law regarding the matter with some minor tweaks to ensure true democracy is within the hands of all Langford citizens. For this to occur, a change would have to occur at the provincial level through a new bill. After which, the most significant changes to recall should be the ability to begin a recall petition within a year of election not the current 18 months, and allowing all registered voters to take part as opposed to all registered voters in time at the last election. While a major change to initiative should require a referendum on the vote if approved to be enacted into law regardless of politicians' opposition to the legislation.

It is only with recall and initiative at the local level that citizens can not only expect but demand good government from our public officials from beyond the confines of the voting booth once every few years. We need recall and initiative not just in Langford but throughout all municipalities for true democracy to reign through the land.