It’s more than just the mayor deciding

It is always with great amusement that I read letters to the editor, or articles, berating various elected officials. Lately, the flurry has been over the Richardson bike lanes.

Lisa Helps, as mayor of Victoria, has been on the receiving end of much of the criticism.

I don’t live in Victoria, I don’t vote for their city council, but I would remind the various objectors: Mayor Helps is not a one-person council. Victoria city has nine elected councillors (eight plus a mayor).

Any motion before council, the nasty bike lanes included, need a majority. For all the bike lane development in this city it has been just that: a majority of council voted in favour.

On the most recent bike lane additions, namely Richardson, only two councillors voted against it (Young and Thornton-Joe). That means the mayor alone was not responsible, but seven of the elected council thought it was a great idea. And it doesn’t stop there.

Mayor Helps was not alone in pursuing the rapid bike lane growth in the city. Believe it or not, there is a staff at city that consults and advises. In fact, in the fall of 2019 there was a call for input on the Richardson bike lanes by that very staff.

I’m not a defender of Mayor Helps, just a mere observer. But with just a few moments of your time, a Google search lets you uncover the fascinating world of municipal politics and the voting patterns of all the current council members on the bike lane additions.

I think you may well be surprised to see just who has been variously opposed or in favour. So remember, this is how democracy works — on every level of our government. It’s not a one person show.

BD Young Victoria (sort of)