The Waterloo Regional Council vacancy caused recently by the untimely death of Councillor Wayne Wettlaufer should be filled by a fair and democratic by-election for the following reasons:
- by-elections are automatically held after a vacancy for provincial or federal levels
- if the chair or a mayor vacated his seat, an election would almost certainly be held
- true democracy takes effort and has costs, but it is worth it
We, the undersigned, support the approximate $100,000 cost of a by-election to replace Councillor Wettlaufer.
If you reside in Kitchener, please indicate (K) and if in Waterloo Region but not in the City of Kitchener, please indicate (WR). If you reside elsewhere, please indicate (E).
Updates
August 6, 2015
The feedback regarding the need for a by-election has been consistent and encouraging. I am currently preparing formal correspondence to deliver to the Regional Council to ensure they acknowledge the necessity of a public vote.
40 Comments
yes I agree fully knowing that there is a significant cost to us taxpayers but I honestly believe that this trumps over our friends on council by"anointing" the next member in an unbiased or nondemocratic method, go call me silly :)
If we live in a democratic society and we do we should have a by election. This is the right and fair thing to do. If they start appointing politicians at this level of government where will it stop?
I am surprised the municipal rule is not the same as provincial and federal. So long as at least 18 Mos are left in a term, it makes sense to have a by-election IMO.
If we will appoint someone for four years, why did we have an election in the first place.
In some other municipalities (example, Markham) - they have a written policy to govern the procedure for nomination and succession with or without elections depending of the timing of the status of vacancy. Please consult this policy and promote its establishment in Waterloo Region to clarify and define requirements in future.
Aug. 19, 2015 - WE LOST! Waterloo Regional Council voted 15-0 against a by-election! Even 1 Councillor commented that she thought the decision tonight was to be either for a by-election or for appointment but could support the appointment of a particular individual. Doesn't that circumvent democracy when Committee refers to Full Council and then there is a motion put forward by the Chair - who Region Staff told me they could never recall being voted against?
Good luck!
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The Waterloo Regional Council vacancy caused recently by the untimely death of Councillor Wayne Wettlaufer should be filled by a fair and democratic by-election for the following reasons:
- by-elections are automatically held after a vacancy for provincial or federal levels
- if the chair or a mayor vacated his seat, an election would almost certainly be held
- true democracy takes effort and has costs, but it is worth it
We, the undersigned, support the approximate $100,000 cost of a by-election to replace Councillor Wettlaufer.
If you reside in Kitchener, please indicate (K) and if in Waterloo Region but not in the City of Kitchener, please indicate (WR). If you reside elsewhere, please indicate (E).
Updates
August 6, 2015
The feedback regarding the need for a by-election has been consistent and encouraging. I am currently preparing formal correspondence to deliver to the Regional Council to ensure they acknowledge the necessity of a public vote.
40 Comments
$100,000 looks like a lot at first glance. However, it is less than 50 cents per Kitchener resident and less than 20c per Region of Waterloo resident. Other people have paid a much higher price for democracy!
yes I agree fully knowing that there is a significant cost to us taxpayers but I honestly believe that this trumps over our friends on council by"anointing" the next member in an unbiased or nondemocratic method, go call me silly :)
If we live in a democratic society and we do we should have a by election. This is the right and fair thing to do. If they start appointing politicians at this level of government where will it stop?
I am surprised the municipal rule is not the same as provincial and federal. So long as at least 18 Mos are left in a term, it makes sense to have a by-election IMO.
If we will appoint someone for four years, why did we have an election in the first place.
In some other municipalities (example, Markham) - they have a written policy to govern the procedure for nomination and succession with or without elections depending of the timing of the status of vacancy. Please consult this policy and promote its establishment in Waterloo Region to clarify and define requirements in future.
Aug. 19, 2015 - WE LOST! Waterloo Regional Council voted 15-0 against a by-election! Even 1 Councillor commented that she thought the decision tonight was to be either for a by-election or for appointment but could support the appointment of a particular individual. Doesn't that circumvent democracy when Committee refers to Full Council and then there is a motion put forward by the Chair - who Region Staff told me they could never recall being voted against?
Good luck!
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$100,000 looks like a lot at first glance. However, it is less than 50 cents per Kitchener resident and less than 20c per Region of Waterloo resident. Other people have paid a much higher price for democracy!