Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Democracy DOES Work When You Engage

Engaged Citizens CAN Make A Difference

Followers of this blog will know that one of my favourite mantras is that 'Democracy is far too important to be left to the politicians'.  It also gets my dander up when I look at how casually we have thrown away, what other nations are dying for.

A common refrain used to excuse ourselves from not participating is 'it doesn't matter what I say, THEY will just do what they want anyway.... what's the use' ... sound familiar?

Well the Colliery Dam Park Preservation Society is a perfect example of just what a group of engaged, committed citizens can do, even when they are fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds.

On one side of this engagement you had a well financed team of professional bureaucrats armed with unlimited tax dollars, legal and engineering advice and the power of city hall behind them.

On the other side was a small group of everyday citizens who had very limited resources and little to no experience in pushing back against the juggernaut at city hall.

Against all odds they have galvanized, organized and continued the good fight for a righteous cause and something they deeply believe in.

The final act of this saga is yet to be written but what they have accomplished to date, should inspire every one of us to get informed and engaged in the running of our city because it truly is too important to leave to the elected and unelected officials at city hall.

A seriously important election is facing Nanaimo this year and who we elect will be directing Nanaimo for the next four years, and once elected they can do pretty much as they like. So it is up to all of us to do our part by participating in the civic election process, which is the one political exercise where our votes really do count, and effect our day to day lives far more than any other level of government.

Kudos to the CDPPS and the determined group of citizens who have proven it does matter what you do, and you can make a difference.

allvoices

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