What are the problems a ward system should address?

By Lethbridge Herald on August 24, 2022.

Editor:

Re: The $297,000 solution in search of a problem.

City council gave direction to proceed with the establishment of a Ward Boundary Commission at the June 7 city council meeting. The purpose of the commission is to provide a detailed written report and recommendations to city council on an electoral ward system for the city. Apparently, the mayor and council felt they had “no choice” but to proceed as the result of the non-binding electoral ward system question on the ballot vote on Oct. 18, 2021. The irony is truly palpable. 

I’m surely not alone in the expectation that council was elected to lead, not follow. When the issue was placed on the ballot, the public was not given enough information about the costs of exploring a ward system nor the possible costs of implementation. I get that $297,000 may not seem like a lot of money to those whose fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers is non-transferable. However, exactly what is the problem this ward system supposed to address that made this expenditure unavoidable? 

Contrary to the assertions that have been put forward, there are other likely other more economical solutions. For example, where is the research showing that fewer candidates on the ballots will result in better qualified persons being elected?

If that is the case, then why not simply thin the herd by introducing some relevant criteria for candidates? After all, getting 100 signatures and requiring a $1,000 deposit shouldn’t present an unreasonable barrier to anyone who is serious about their candidacy. 

With regards to the abysmally low turnout in our municipal elections versus others, maybe we need to look more deeply into the lack of interest? As council seem inclined to go along with whatever voters indicate on a ballot anyway, maybe we should be putting more issues such as homelessness, crime, and addictions directly to the public. Clearly the public feels there is a gap in our municipal governance. Perhaps overwhelming support for considering a ward system was really just the barometer of a much deeper malaise? 

Dale Leier 

Lethbridge