Here we are in the early stages of the municipal election campaign and the usual suspects have appeared in the issues line-up with a few new topics added for good measure.
Ironically, the future of the highly contentious Woodfibre LNG plant has caused some council aspirants to take a Trappist vow of silence. One incumbent announced there was just not enough information available to make a decision at the moment. Of course the more likely reason for this sudden ambiguity is the risk of alienating voters who may not share his opinion about a project that has sent the blogosphere into overdrive. Meanwhile, the challenging Oceanfront Development venture has some concerned residents calling for a full review of the multimillion dollar deal. Despite those pleas, limited interest has been expressed in revisiting all the permutations of the contract; most candidates are attuned to finally getting spades in the ground.
And so far council hopefuls have paid scant attention to the elevated crime rate in town. With a lower than average police presence and a rapidly growing population, public safety has the potential to take centre stage in the near future.
Increased fiscal responsibility and transparency at muni hall are perennial themes bandied about in campaign blurbs. A related concern coming down the pipeline is the belief that residents need to be given “a meaningful voice” in the municipal decision making process. A further review of platforms reveals extensive job creation prospects, the attraction of new business and more affordable housing. Lamentably, very few of those bold pledges are accompanied with clear directives. As has been customary in the past, this campaign has its share of hyperbole. At least one council wannabe is “passionate” about the Shining Valley and its inhabitants. With all due respect, that level of fervour is in the process of being relegated to the dumpster of overused personal marketing ploys. Speaking of linguistic chestnuts, another candidate could not resist describing Squamish as an “amazing” place to live. But as one wag puts it, amazing has long gone from “Wow!” to “Whatever.” That being said, let’s not get too cynical. This campaign is but a pup. Can we assume the catalogue of platitudes reported above is merely an opening gambit awaiting more substantial articulation on the hustings over the next few weeks?
