New slate on Salt Spring, post-municipal elections...

November 22, 2011.

A new slate for the two Trust positions and the one CRD position, in the recent municipal elections...will be interesting to see the outcomes of this change.

Thank you to all those who put their names forward, and ran for office...their sense of public service is to be commended, and their time & energy appreciated.

In thoughts of many islanders, there was a recognition of the preservation of the environment, by past trustees, and, at same time, a desire to have that same focus turned to the lives of the islanders...a more pro-business focus perhaps? A more people-oriented perspective? Certainly, a move towards community endeavors.

One promise that came forward in the pre-election words was the concept of going ahead in achieving another referendum, to seek guidance on creating a Gulf Islands municipality, similar to that in place on Bowen Island.

In such a specialized Gulf Islands municipal structure, the Trust / its bylaws remain in place...instead of the CRD aspect, a council would also be elected, and taxes raised on Salt Spring would stay on Salt Spring.

It takes time to bring a referendum forward, and the provincial government decision to agree to one is a part of the process. A good thing to do, though, so that the islanders can decide the issues.

Interesting days ahead, on Salt Spring Island!

In change lies opportunity....