Council needs to move forward with a ward commission

By Lethbridge Herald on May 25, 2022.

Editor:

During the October election, voters were asked, “Do you support using a ward system to elect city councillors starting with the 2025 municipal election?” with 55.69 per cent (14,611) voting “Yes” and 44.31 per cent (11,625) voting “No.” Governance Standing Policy Committee (GSPC) is debating whether to recommend a ward commission to city council. A ward commission would consist of public members who would engage the community to explore and propose a ward model to serve Lethbridge voters. The commission would recommendation action(s) to GSPC, who would advise council to act or not act on the recommendation(s).

Members of GSPC are asking great questions about ward systems. Since local nuance is key to an eventual ward structure, each question needs to be considered in the context of Lethbridge. A ward commission would examine the issue through a “Lethbridge lens,” and would offer Lethbridge-based solutions, providing citizens and council with the information they need to make an informed decision.

The electoral system selects our representatives through a fair and known process, and governments steward the electoral rules and mechanisms. If citizens are to hand their trust to representatives though, then citizens should determine the process and mechanisms of how we select our representatives.

 Sadly, as some politicians demonstrate, representatives can abuse their power for self-serving (perpetually elected) ends. A citizen-led commission would support citizen oversight of the electoral system, and protect council from accusations of influence on a process that could benefit them.

I know some are using the “too few voters” argument, that only 18 per cent of eligible voters support a ward system, thus it’s “not a good representation.” First, election results are results, regardless of voter turnout. Second, 18 per cent support for a ward system is higher eligible voter support than for the mayor (14.7 per cent) and the top- finishing councillor (14.9 per cent). I’m certain that no councillor-elect advised the City Clerk, “Not enough people voted so my results aren’t valid.” We must respect fair election results.

The plebiscite was non-binding and council holds the authority to choose how they honour the result. The optics of asking the question and then ignoring the results are not good. Enacting a ward commission respects the plebiscite results, and affords citizens the ability to explore their ideas and values around the electoral process, ultimately proposing … something. When the commission’s work is done, council has authority to say “Yes” or “No” to the recommendation(s).

The cost of not undertaking a commission is great. Council’s Action Plan includes “Initiat[ing] a ward system study,” and council is working towards better transparency. Ignoring the plebiscite results undermines these goals and risks alienating voters, which erodes voter turnout, civic engagement and citizen participation.

Citizens expect good governance from council, meaning that the decisions made on our behalf are based on facts. A citizen-led Ward Commission will produce the information needed for council to cast a reasoned, fact-based vote (in favour or against) on a ward system.

I am asking Governance Standing Policy Committee to recommend a ward commission to city council.

Jeffrey Coffman

Lethbridge