One of the biggest projects to hit Sechelt in recent memory, with millions of dollars on the table and a chance at a funding option with grant money that could save some costs in the long run — and only 1,721 votes are cast out of a possible 7,639 — 22.53 per cent?
The voter turnout last Saturday was shockingly low — and Sechelt residents should be asking themselves why. Did no one care? We doubt that, given the intense scrutiny this project has received.
Residents have been up in arms about the placement of the treatment plant, the dollars spent and the process involved.
In the weeks leading up to the referendum, our letters section was packed with opinions, both positive and negative, about the funding options presented.
Some folks were also upset at council, saying a ‘no’ vote would send a clear message come November that enough was enough. Well, if this voter turnout is any indication for the next municipal election, it’s a pretty clear message that not enough people care. In fact, it sends a bad message that voting doesn’t matter, which is a dangerous slope indeed.
When did voters in Sechelt become so apathetic? Voters came out in droves for the last municipal election when just a little over 47 per cent cast a ballot. So was it the question itself? Was it the nasty weather? What, Sechelt, what?
With so much at stake, how could so many people stay at home?
With such a close vote — the yes side won by a mere 15 votes — one councillor expressed frustration whether the result gives council a clear mandate to move forward. No matter, council voted Wednesday to go ahead and accept the option.
And while we ask these questions, other residents are asking procedural questions about how the referendum itself was conducted.
One resident has filed a complaint with the RCMP after District staff confiscated his ‘vote no’ signs. The District thought the signs were unlawful, but reversed that position and the signage was returned hours later. But did that somehow affect the vote? This resident believes it played a part. We will have to wait and see how far this complaint goes and whether charges will be laid against the District.
The District also launched an aggressive advertising campaign, even sending out a mailer to residents a couple of days prior to voting day encouraging them to vote yes.
Many, including us, would like to know how much was spent — a legitimate question since it was our tax dollars — but we had to file a freedom of information request and were told we would have to wait up to 60 days for an answer.
Between a low voter turnout and some questionable tactics, it really makes you wonder — wonder about the whole process.
