Four Year Terms for Fall Elections

The Provincial government recently introduced legislation that would increase the terms of office for elected municipal officials from three to four years. This change has been considered for years but with the successful passing of a likeminded resolution at last year’s UBCM convention the government feels it can proceed with some confidence.

Fewer elections in a ten year period (3 to 2) will save money in the long term. We citizens sometime forget that frequently asking the people to go the polls for whatever reason is not done without cost. We must find ways to do more with less as municipal and provincial budgets continue to be strained. But I think there is a stronger argument for the increased term. Being able to see a project to term while still in office provide a measure of continuity that is of benefit to the community.

In my experience on Vernon City Council very early in our tenure we held a visioning meeting to set priorities for our coming term. Interesting enough we were all in agreement on a major project that would be of benefit to the citizens of Greater Vernon for years to come. The political will was there and unusually so was the funding. The expectation was that this project could be completed within a year or so well within our three year term office. I remember at one point despairing that it would be completed before our term was up. The wheels of government do move slowly when the staff correctly focus of the long term. Happily the recent renovation of Polson Park was completed and well before our term was ended.

Let us consider future scenario; perhaps the redesign of a major intersection in our community that is the source of much backup and congestion during the busy summer season. The intersection of Highway 97 and 43^rd ave comes immediately to mind. The province would have to be involved in the design as well as the city as it a shared responsibility. Funding the project could also involve both levels of government and their budget deliberations and perhaps a third level government if Federal money was sought. Bidding on the project could occupy several months. Time becomes a factor for those in office pursuing such a worthy goal.

I believe what would really be necessary for our community to achieve the benefit of more efficient traffic flow at the north end of town would be a city council who thought this intersection really needs improvement and with time enough to apply the political will to see it to completion.

Happily the new four year terms if passed by the provincial government should be time enough. Now we need to find those with the political will and the time to give.

Cheers

Shawn Lee