While I agree with each of Garfield Marks’ reasons as to why we should have a ward system, I’d like to present my views on why we will not see that system under the current administration.
Each of our councillors has an individual sector of the populace of Red Deer that supports him or her. Whether that sector is representative of an ethnic group, a religious group, or those of a particular political leaning, as long as the councillor draws from the entire population of Red Deer, they are assured of a seat on council.
Split that up though into wards and make them present their platform to a smaller, more diversified group, and things might change.
If we insist that the prospective councillors live in the ward that they are running in, the potential exists that some of the existing councillors might have to run against each other.
I would really like to have someone who represents my community to contact and be accountable to my community.
Ron Olney
Red Deer