Former mayor supports wards

DEAR EDITOR:

I have also been a long-time advocate for Kelowna residents to consider changing to a ward system, as suggested in a letter by Jeff Frank.

Another concept is having candidates in four (versus five) wards (Glenmore, Rutland, Mission, and downtown) and four (versus three) at-large representatives, with the mayor also being an atlarge position.

I also believe, as Jeff does, that candidates who represent the wards would be knowledgeable about their areas, would be accountable to the citizens of the ward, as well as be accessible to those they represent. This system would also enable newer candidates interested in politics to campaign in a smaller portion of the city.

However, I also believe that candidates chosen for wards must recognize they are also serving the larger community. Our neighbour, Lake Country, implemented a ward system in 1995 and other communities such as Surrey have discussed this option.

For Kelowna to consider changing to a ward system from the present at-large system would require public interest, likely a referendum and a proposed timeline of implementation.

Is there even an interest in debating this concept by the majority of the present council? The next municipal election in 2022 could have this question as a referendum if the citizens of Kelowna promoted and supported the concept.

Another option is to select a majority of council members in the next election who support a review of implications to changing from an at-large to a ward system while seeking public input.

It is never easy to consider change, but it is certainly worth the conversation.

Sharon Shepherd, former mayor of Kelowna