Governance report basis for rational discussion

Re: “Province should honour amalgamation study pledge,” comment, Sept. 10.

What a shame that organizations such as the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and Amalgamation Yes have seemingly disregarded the findings of the Capital Region Integrated Services and Governance Initiative study just released.

The main idea behind this study was to present facts on the levels of integration in the region. As a mayor, I was certainly hoping that having facts presented could provide a basis for a rational and balanced discussion about the future governance of our region.

Instead, it would seem that some continue on with their idealistic notion that amalgamation is some kind of panacea for our region. Even in the face of much evidence to the contrary, they continue with their single-minded vision that larger bureaucracies are somehow more efficient and superior than smaller ones.

We are talking about the very future of our communities; what could be more important?

Are there areas that we need to improve in terms of our local governance? Yes, absolutely. Is amalgamation the solution? Certainly not, in my opinion.

I would encourage all who are interested to read the full report online. It clearly lays out the many examples of co-operation and integration among municipalities across our region and makes some excellent recommendations for moving forward.

Mayor David Screech View Royal