Editor:
In my six decades of Gibsons experience I have witnessed many changes but never seen such bitter splitting of the community as the proposed hotel. This and other issues on different scales have led more and more people to perceive everything as corrupt and our democracy as slipping.
Doing soul searching and researching, I came across something that I felt could be productive for our community. That is the formation of a citizens’ assembly. This process has been adopted in other places.
The selection process would be random, with no personal selecting by council or staff. All efforts would be made to ensure the usual people who are on both ends of the extreme poles would not be a part of this and, of course, no one could be able to have the opportunity to make any financial gains. A wide range of demographics would also be ensured.
Sessions would be open to the public at all times, and there would be ongoing times for public feedback
The emphasis of the assembly would be to establish innovative solutions and come up with creative alternatives. The assembly would have sufficient power that they could not be ignored but at the same time, to ensure the democratic process is not overlooked, after review by town staff, the assembly would present its final report to council at an open public council meeting where they could be questioned after presentation.
Council, while still having final decisions, would need to submit a written report where they disagree and why, giving more accountability.
Dale Peterson, Gibsons
