As I expected, not everyone agrees that wards are the best choice for Vancouver, or an important priority In the name of a free and spirited debate, here's some of the thoughts I've received since my previous mailing You can also check out http://www knowards ca for the opposing view

Ultimately I really just want to encourage people to be aware and involved, and make an informed choice Personally, I support wards, but whatever your opinion, be sure to express it on Saturday!

Adam

"We have enough politicians and pay enough taxes already, don't you think? More politicians would mean more posturing, more committees, more endless debate, more taxes, more special-interest whining and more NIMBY

"We don't need more politicians, we need more political will to enforce the epidemic flouting of present laws (like ubiquitous littering, driving [and walking] through red lights, driving without signalling, openly growing and selling contraband, openly shooting up, aggressive panhandling, stealing cars, home invasions, etc ) that have given Vancouver the highest crime rate in North America and made it a much less civil place to live than when I moved here 19 years ago

"Wards? A mere distraction from dealing with our existing problems

"We could have a long debate on this, but as you may have divined, I'm voting against wards, and think most people with common sense will "

Jim

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"I have to say I am strongly against this system � It is exactly the same system that we use to elect our MP's and MLA's � (first past the post / winner takes all)� I would not argue that those systems are serving us very well � In fact, I would argue that they are part of the problem with our electoral system � "I do not believe that the "at large system" Vancouver currently uses is perfect either but it is a small improvement over then a pure ward system � Nor do I believe there is a lack of effective representation by the councilors at council � The strongest argument in Wards favour is better personal representation �Personally, I�have never had problems accessing or getting help from councilors on city council � This is consistently true of both parties � In fact, research shows that people are more effectively governed by local civic governments in all systems with no appreciable difference between systems, then all other forms of governance � So there doesn't seem to be a demand for better representation at the civic level � "Don't get me wrong, Wards have some advantages but the disadvantages (in fighting, short sightedness, lack of broader perspective) seem to out way the advantages � "If we were offered some sort of mixed system with a preferential ballot, then I would give it two thumbs up but this attempt to get wards, with a first past the post and no councilors elected at large, is very little more then COPE trying to secure themselves seats on council � (A problem for them historically as centre / centre right parties have tended to dominate council )"

Trent

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