Editor:
Thank you, Nancy Leathley, for your thoughtful letter in the Coast Reporter of Aug. 24, “Two types of governance.” Regarding types of governance, the points you raise are important for voters to consider before they cast their ballot in any election.
Does one want to elect a representative or a delegate to govern? A representative should be elected based on his or her character, experience and wisdom. Once elected they are free to make decisions with or without consulting the voters. If the voters do not like the decisions made by their representative they can remove him or her at the next election. A delegate, on the other hand, is directed to make decisions according to the wishes of the voters – to be their spokesperson, in other words. The problem with this method of governance is that consultation on every decision is impossible and how should the delegate decide who to listen to? Those who shout the loudest perhaps?
Bert Carswell, Sechelt
