Minister slaps Victoria voters in the face

Re: “B.C. rules out amalgamating capital region, eyes more sharing,” Aug. 13.

From what municipal font has Municipal Affairs Minister Selina Robinson partaken the Kool-Aid that has so emboldened her to deliver such a sharp slap in the face to the voters of Greater Victoria?

Just scant weeks prior to the election, the NDP promised, in writing, a full amalgamation study, recognizing the groundswell of discontent with our current pixelated governance in Greater Victoria.

Now, just days into her portfolio, Robinson appears to wilfully ignore all available evidence and has bowed to the whims of 13 mayors and dismissed the electorate. No doubt there are smug, satisfied smiles on faces tonight.

Every vote or poll taken since 2013 has affirmed over 75 per cent support for reform. Every major local government file has been wrought with cost and/or decision mismanagement, or lack of effective regional decision-making. Think sewage treatment, policing, transportation planning, regional growth strategy — the list goes on.

And how can the minister possibly justify the existence of an appointed Capital Regional District board that is not elected by the people of the region, but whose costly mistakes and bitter infighting undermine every sound public policy decision and stifle the economic and social health of the region?

I urge Robinson to reconsider her illconceived message to the people of this region on this major public policy issue and to honour the promises her government made to the people of Greater Victoria.

Lesley Ewing Oak Bay