Dear Editor:
Re: See What Develops, Sept. 10 Viewpoint.
I was astounded by a statement in this editorial: “But the wonder of our democracy is that council is forced to listen to just about anybody who wants to talk.”
District of North Vancouver council, insofar as council meetings, has fairly strict rules as to how long (three minutes) an individual can speak, and how long in total (30 minutes) public input is accepted in a given council meeting.
Limits in workshops are much stricter. Public hearings are also restricted as to time per speaker, but most anyone can speak.
One can also ask to meet any councillor or staff member.
In all cases, rules of behaviour are applied. In all cases, written submissions are welcome.
Public input is a valuable part of the governing process. Hopefully your use of the word “wonder” was a compliment to council’s process, not a criticism as I took it.
Then having apparently criticized council for being “forced” to listen to just about anybody, you encourage residents to “show up in droves” in council chambers.
Colour me confused!
I disagree with your comment that “Council meetings can resemble an endless slog whose participants speak in incomprehensible bureaucratese.”
Yes, some meetings drag on, but are usually terminated by 11 p.m., no worse than corporate and non-profit boards I have sat on.
In the 23 years I have attended DNV council meetings, I have never felt inundated in “bureaucratese.”
Yes, it helps to learn some of the limited jargon like FSR, Local Government Act, etc., but it sure beats trying to understand your auto mechanic.
John Hunter
North Vancouver
Editor’s note: The editorial viewpoint was indeed meant to encourage, not discourage, civic engagement. We urge all residents to get informed by attending meetings of council and public hearings, and contacting your elected officials to share your views.
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