Exciting times are ahead for Squamish as we approach our November 15th municipal election. Leading up to Halloween more masks will come off with the dark side of politics rearing its ugly face. With masks – and gloves – off we will likely hear rumours and smear campaigns that are just not cool. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, and soon the rumours without any substance will be forgotten, but I think we can all do ourselves a favour and make a point to stop people in their tracks when they deviate from the real issues. Let’s try to keep the conversation clean and focused around the important issues, the platforms, and the core values that can shape this town as we grow. We can debate and examine the character references of the individuals running without name calling. We can stay focused on the issues and examine each candidate while asking ourselves "will this person help us reach our goal?"
As an example, an issue that is important to me is having stronger measures in place to protect and respect our environment. The 2013 District of Squamish Annual Report validates this sentiment stating that “One of Squamish’s most valuable assets is the environment in which we live, learn, work and play." The Report also says that the District is "taking many steps to bring its operations and services in line with sustainability principles to preserve and protect the area’s ecosystems and natural resources, meeting our needs of the present without compromising future generations." Clearly we are not protecting our environment when we sit silently and watch the provincial government forever change the landscape of our town with the proposed LNG plant. The document needs work and needs a more vocal ambassador on council to legitimately champion this goal through.
For the upcoming election I hope our local environmental groups, stewards of our land and natural resources, put questions forward to all candidates asking the question "are we doing a good job of protecting our ecosystems and natural resources for future generations?" or moreover "Will the industrial liquefied gas plant on our waterfront be helping to protect and preserve our areas ecosystems and natural resources?." And when the LNG plant fails (which it likely will) due to more advanced and price competitive markets, what is next? Corners cut to keep costs down? Switching to oil? What is next down this proverbial pipeline? What measures are in place to stop this slippery oily industrial slope.
I will be watching for these kinds of questions in our upcoming Town Halls and in the local press. I will be listening closely to the answers from all candidates. I will be ignoring the rumour mill. I will be searching for leaders with solutions, boundaries, and a vision.
Michelle Neilson,
Squamish
