A week and a bit ago over 300 people joined together on the dike at Somenos Marsh to show their support for the marsh. From various walks of life they had at least one thing in common. They care about the marsh and want to see it cared for and want to know that their local government shares the same concern and will protect this precious ecosystem.
Someone asked the question on Facebook, 'How many politicians did you see?" My answer? (though I wasn't able to be there) -- over 300 politicians were there. Before you name me mad, hear me out.
Someone whose wisdom I consulted in 2011, as I allowed my name to stand to serve my neighbours on North Cowichan Council was, then, Esquimalt Councillor Ali Gaul.
In an address to the Esquimalt Resident's Association, Ali articulated something that resonates for me -- who is a politician -- well worth the read.
The definition that she settled on and was most comfortable with for who a politician is?:
"someone who is actively engaged in shaping public policy”
Under this definition, every person who took the time to write a letter to Council and/or the ALC, every person who shared their concern with a neighbour or a friend about the future of the marsh, is a politician. As are the folks who are trying to save all of Echo Heights in Chemainus. And we need you. It takes many people to build community. Sometimes its messy and confusing and makes us mad, sad or ? Such is life.
It's a huge responsibility to be one of those charged with making binding decisions Those of us who are taking our turn to do so are enriched and enabled to be better public policy shapers by you 'politicians' on the street who give us feedback on the issues that concern you.
As I've said before, feedback from the public is welcome. (though admittedly not enjoyable if it comes with snarkiness -- and terribly frustrating when its ill informed)
All fodder for growth I have learnt.
The newspapers print the controversial items and its good they do. It informs and calls out the politician in the every person and gets some of them riled up enough to step forward and have their say. And the more information Council has -- the better the chance of a good decision. Rarely will any decision please everyone, but everyone can give their input if its something they really care about. (and who knows, yours might the creative innovative idea that takes off)
Someone asked the question on Facebook, 'How many politicians did you see?" My answer? (though I wasn't able to be there) -- over 300 politicians were there. Before you name me mad, hear me out.
Someone whose wisdom I consulted in 2011, as I allowed my name to stand to serve my neighbours on North Cowichan Council was, then, Esquimalt Councillor Ali Gaul.
In an address to the Esquimalt Resident's Association, Ali articulated something that resonates for me -- who is a politician -- well worth the read.
The definition that she settled on and was most comfortable with for who a politician is?:
"someone who is actively engaged in shaping public policy”
Under this definition, every person who took the time to write a letter to Council and/or the ALC, every person who shared their concern with a neighbour or a friend about the future of the marsh, is a politician. As are the folks who are trying to save all of Echo Heights in Chemainus. And we need you. It takes many people to build community. Sometimes its messy and confusing and makes us mad, sad or ? Such is life.
It's a huge responsibility to be one of those charged with making binding decisions Those of us who are taking our turn to do so are enriched and enabled to be better public policy shapers by you 'politicians' on the street who give us feedback on the issues that concern you.
As I've said before, feedback from the public is welcome. (though admittedly not enjoyable if it comes with snarkiness -- and terribly frustrating when its ill informed)
All fodder for growth I have learnt.
The newspapers print the controversial items and its good they do. It informs and calls out the politician in the every person and gets some of them riled up enough to step forward and have their say. And the more information Council has -- the better the chance of a good decision. Rarely will any decision please everyone, but everyone can give their input if its something they really care about. (and who knows, yours might the creative innovative idea that takes off)
There are many opportunities to have your say. Every Council meeting has a public input portion at the beginning and a question period at the end. A current opportunity to weigh in is the Crofton Community Plan. An Advisory Working Group has been working with MNC and a consulting team has been chosen. The initial meeting of all three took place last week.
This is your chance to give input into what you would like to see in Crofton. Two 'sounding boards' will be up at key locations in Crofton where residents and visitors can post comments and suggestions. An initial Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Crofton Community Centre. A presentation from the consultant will take place at 7 p.m. So come on out and share your vision to help create a blueprint for Crofton's future.
Further background on the plan can be accessed here. And you can find links to give your feedback online.
So hope to see you around the community as we are each doing your part to make this valley a place where neighbours are working together, to make our future strong.
Oh, and -- Happy Halloween!
This is your chance to give input into what you would like to see in Crofton. Two 'sounding boards' will be up at key locations in Crofton where residents and visitors can post comments and suggestions. An initial Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Crofton Community Centre. A presentation from the consultant will take place at 7 p.m. So come on out and share your vision to help create a blueprint for Crofton's future.
Further background on the plan can be accessed here. And you can find links to give your feedback online.
So hope to see you around the community as we are each doing your part to make this valley a place where neighbours are working together, to make our future strong.
Oh, and -- Happy Halloween!
RSS Feed
