NANAIMO VOTERS -- PAY ATTENTION WHILE YOU CAN

First in a series "Nanaimo Voters WAKE UP "

DEMOCRACY ON BORROWED TIME IN NANAIMO

Is Nanaimo Council Trying to Sidestep the Voters?

Councillor Perrino's proposal, which passed the AVICC convention and now moves to the Union of BC Municipalities, is an end-run around voter consent. It reflects a disturbing trend: a council growing increasingly impatient with the very people it serves.

City Councillor Janice Perrino wants to change provincial rules so Nanaimo can borrow money for infrastructure without your vote.

After residents defeated a $90 million loan request for a new public works yard, council isn’t rethinking the budget. They’re rethinking democracy. You might recall Mayor Krog lamenting that if the AAP failed, Council would be STUCK with a referendum. That is how he views the wishes of the people.

The current law requires public approval to borrow funds repaid over more than five years, and they want that law changed.

Councillor Perrino says small vocal groups derail projects. But removing public input entirely? That’s not reform. It’s a power grab. Calling over 8.655 taxpayers a 'small vocal group' shows how little regard she has for democracy.

First they ignore you. Then they silence you.

It's time to let this Council know what YOU think about their dislike for the public's role in democracy. Write a letter to the local paper, send a note to Mayor and Council, or an individual councilor letting them know what YOU think. Watch council meetings on Shaw or live online at Nanaimo.ca. Attend in person at Council meetings, even if they limit your input , your presence has voice.