Opinion

Answers to your frequently asked questions about the land of “312 days of sunshine a year,” cheaper houses, zero sales tax and six premiers in 11 years

' Successive mayors and councils should be held accountable for their mishandling of the water. The Sunshine Coast political leaders all point to climate change for our water woes. Instead of buying meters, they should have been lobbying the NDP government and SIB to grant the permits for the siphoning yesterday. Then deal with the enhancements to the reservoir for the future.'

'So Chapman Lake water levels have hit an all-time low. Even with drastic Stage 4 water conservation measures in place, as we watch our gardens wither, we have collectively failed to reduce our water use to under 10 million litres per day.'

'We do not live in a desert. We are surrounded by water. Millions of gallons are running off into the ocean every year. All we need is a place to store water, either another lake, or a man-made reservoir.'

'The problem is that each one on the slate isn’t necessarily the best candidate. Opposing views and a variety of talent may be healthier on a council. Will slate members be as responsive to the electors after they’re in office?'

'Although the subject column appeared some months ago, the phrase “buyer beware” as it relates to Seawatch continues to needle me. It’s seemingly a phrase that’s helping to ease the conscience of many in Sechelt, akin to sweeping a nuisance under the rug.'

'From housing, essential community infrastructure and operating transit, municipal governments make decisions that have the greatest impact on our day-to-day lives. Yet four years ago, voter turnout in local elections in B.C. was an abysmal 39 per cent, much lower than in provincial or federal elections. '

When I teach journalism, I tell students: Declare your conflicts. We all have them. The audience needs to know.

In late 2018, a survey I collaborated on for the City of Vancouver sought to review why more than half of eligible voters chose not to cast a ballot in that year’s municipal election.