Victoria Adams

Mr. Miller, reflecting on time and space, paints a confusing picture of irreconcilable global, social and political contradictions. He seems to be entangled in James Kunstler’s waves and cycles in history. He mixes metaphors, inviting us to pedal, rather than coast, through ungentle shocks. At the same time, he refers to Victoria as a lifeboat which maintains its cultural coherence during rough and threatening times, but has a genius for inertia.

His characterization of Victoria’s most valuable skills, continuity and mutuality, is fragrant to the nose of people who have the power to write their own version of this civic narrative. 

Why would modern citizens wish to revere Victoria’s exploitative, imperial past? Why would they pay lip service to the un-ceded territory belonging to indigenous people who settled this ancient land long before colonial settlers arrived? Whom do the skills of social continuity and functioning mutuality truly serve? In this zero-sum game, global capital is the winner; those who are subjugated by its rule remain victims of the wars to plunder resources. Or, the victims of injustice to perpetuate privileges of the few at the expense of the many.

I have always been circumspect re those who benefit from great-power domination. They come to Canada telling us what to value, how to get along with the powers that be. It’s amazing how adopting the abundant mind-set of a ruler, allows one to see win-win situations everywhere. And guarantees one a share of growth and dynamism. Obviously Mr. Miller has read few Grimm fairy tales—tales which may have given him another perspective on reality.

One has to wonder whether Mr. Miller’s lifeboat is yet another biblical tale which has more in keeping with Noah’s ark. In an epic storm, it would be helpful to know if there’s an experienced person at the helm; anyone capable of navigating without a map or compass. Relying on a divine source to perform a miracle and save this island paradise and its much maligned common good from extinction, may not be what the current and Mayor and Council are capable of doing for Victoria.

It’s wise to remember three important lessons about community development: – Life is a one-time offer, so it’s best to use it well. And, a comfort zone, like a safe harbour, may be a beautiful place, but nothing lasts forever. And, while Andres Duany, an American architect, planner and evangelist of “New Urbanism” suggests, “a rising tide lifts all boats”, he conveniently overlooks the fact that a tsunami destroys most ships. So, in the end, what you do with what you’ve got is the test of whether, as an individual, civic community or planet, you’ll survive turbulent times.

Victoria Civic Election 2018

Victoria needs…who? – Slates are readying for council jobs that few may actually want, by Ross Crockford

This election needs the best candidates to step up. Who they are is just as important as the people they’ll serve. Like municipal staff, elected officials are paid by taxpayers to serve the public interest.

What exactly is the job of elected Council members? Some say their job is to balance public and private interests. This is likely to be a contradiction in a world ruled by ambitions and needs of global-finance capital. Others say that the public interest is just another fig leaf—to justify the enhancement of private interests, primarily corporate entities; this, at the expense of the health and well-being of citizens.

Is municipal governance a framework to reward only favoured, private interests? And primarily through civic authority over land-use and taxation? The loudest, most influential voices in municipal affairs are property owners (both commercial and residential). Although tenants may represent six out of ten households in Victoria, and pay taxes like homeowners, they can be ignored by decision-makers. Rental tenure remains insecure. The presence of tenants is now diminishing in a City that places greater value on high-end property owners and speculative investors.

Many, many questions face voters and candidates in this election. How do electors choose from among the incumbent members of Council or new candidates? By their fine words and promises? While they overlook whose interests and what decisions they’ve made? Can electors rely on loyalty to partisan interests – green, blue, or rainbow, to decide for them?  Or toss a coin?

If you’re not immersed in high competition of coliseum gladiators, or mired in the minutiae of local political spats, you may be reflecting on the big picture—the big picture which asks how a candidate serves the public interest? Where the common good lies in an economic and social environment dominated by private interests hungry for entitlements from the public purse?  Who enjoys most benefit from an increasingly deregulated environment? Who bears the heaviest burdens?

Public Scrutiny?

Mr. Crockford suggests that Victoria gets plenty of scrutiny in a town that eats and breathes politics. If so, where’s the strong evidence of investigative reporting? Or even critical comment by the media in Victoria, other than Focus Magazine? That Victoria is home to the Provincial legislature and City Hall, is no guarantee any genuine public consultation exists. Or that openness, transparency, accountability which form the foundation of democracy are upheld. Judging from the number of in-camera meetings held, and stymied Freedom of Information requests, trust by decision-makers is in short supply. What if we demanded that candidates or elected representatives reveal their monthly income and expenses? Their investments? Political donations? Potential conflicts of interest? Meetings with lobby groups or individuals?

Those seeking public office might demonstrate public trust by disclosing such information.

What does Victoria need?

Mr. Crockford concludes as follows: Victoria needs articulate people with common sense, experience handling employees and questioning consultants, practical ideas about how to improve the City, and the determination – and the time – to see them realized.

These important qualities are expected of an elected official. What is critical, however, is whom these elected officials intend to serve among the special interests and power brokers?

Will such individuals disclose their personal beliefs and any biases that frame their choices? Have they ever disclosed publically an error or misjudgment, and if so, what have they done to remedy the matter? Where are the candidates red lines?

How easy it is—in our island paradise City—to drift with the flow. What takes courage is challenging the City’s prevailing narrative, being open to criticism; welcoming new ideas which may undermine our comfort levels. Individuals who can manage this kind of courage are rare. But they’re worth their weight in gold. We need elected candidates of this calibre if we are to build a healthy, inclusive and sustainable City. And, as informed and engaged citizens, we need to do our part to see that such candidates present themselves, earn our trust, and be held to account as valued members of Victoria City Council.