Dear editor,
The issues for the municipal elections need to be debated to allow voters to chose the best candidates.
It is great to see the interest of so many candidates willing to dedicate the next three years to serving their community.
In the past three years, we have seen the CVRD area directors Gillis, Grieve, Jolliffe, starting to address some of the common issues, but there is not a unified Comox Valley voice on some of the important issues that impact on many of the 60,000 residents.
For example, the water metering approach to infrastructure preservation, through water conservation, is not supported by all local governments or councillors.
It is disappointing that none of our local government representatives have been publicly involved in the regional hospital issue and are leaving all the decisions to VIHA. This major infrastructure issue could affect future services.
While development has benefits, the loss of green space is a concern, as trees are replaced with pavement and ditches, creating stormwater surges, while reducing the natural replenishment of aquifers. Each municipality/administration looks after their own interest, rather that the overall benefits and impacts.
So where do the individual candidate stand on working together for the best interests of the Comox Valley? This seems to be the most relevant question for all candidates.
Phil Harrison,
Comox