At the June 4 meeting of North Saanich council, a passionate debate ensued regarding due process.
On a development issue, Coun. Craig Mearns stated his distrust and displeasure with process.
Coun. Dunstan Browne stated that in his opinion, process equals delay.
On the contrary, Browne. In civil society, due process is democracy. It serves as a firewall against oligarchy and tyranny.
To advocate cutting corners on municipal statutory requirements of due process is most troubling.
Coun. Ted Daly’s comments included accusing the municipal staff of foot-dragging and “stonewalling.”
With the consenting fourth vote of Coun. Conny McBride, the application appears headed for fast-tracking, meanwhile ignoring the careful work and recommendations of municipal staff.
The resounding message of these councillors was contempt for statutory procedures and thus for local democracy.
Jack Thornburgh
North Saanich