Herman Turkstra has an intriguing editorial piece in today's Spec, 'Don't leave the LRT decision to a bunch of bureaucrats'. It's well worth the read, especially in how he frames this huge issue historically.
But his main thrust concerns me: that of using a referendum to decide whether or not Hamilton should move forward with LRT.
I believe in a greater degree of civic engagement on the part of residents in local governance. It's paramount to making things better. It's at the core of my belief system 'politics'-wise, and is front-and-centre here on this blog.
But the thought of people 'voting' on an issue that's got so many implications, on so pivotal a concept... Well, it makes me cringe.
Especially when taking into account that only 40% of eligible voters cast ballots in the past two elections.
And that somewhere in the neighbourhood of 60% of these did so according to 'name recognition'.
I'm not against a referendum. But I'm only for it if there is a concerted effort...and I don't just mean articles and ads in The Spec or an information display at City Hall for all to examine...to inform the public.
Meaning?
Meaning town halls.
Meaning information evenings.
Meaning all Councillors having appropriate sections on their websites.
Now, if after all this sincere effort apathy still rules the day, fine. But at least people will have been given a proper chance to develop an informed opinion.
As it stands, our current paradigm in local governance is too rife with cynicism and indifference to stake everything on a referendum. Not to put too fine a point on it, I don't trust the average person to care enough to make the effort to educate themselves about LRT even to the degree they might in choosing their next holiday destination. Getting people involved in decisions that have such enormous implications on what their city is going to become is only a good idea if this enfranchisement goes hand-in-hand with sought-out information.
As Sy Syms said, 'An educated consumer is our best customer.'
