To the editor:
Re: "Carr fights on with motion," Feb. 13
Coun. Adriane Carr should have been allowed to bring her motion forward to council. Surely, that is the democratic process.
She, as I, would like to know what is going to happen if the community center associations quit over the proposed change. How much is it going to cost tax payers to replace those volunteers with paid workers?
Community centre associations volunteer their time. They are not paid. They give to their community. They raise funds and apply for grants for their community. Where is the incentive to raise funds and apply for grants if the funds will not be used in their own community?
Carr is not the only elected official to be silenced. Melissa De Genova was also prevented from bringing forward motions to delay this park board change, so that further dialogue and research could take place. The mayor, and/or city manager Penny Ballem do not have the right to prevent motions from being brought forward just because the subject matter is controversial or does not fit in with their agenda. I'm very concerned democracy is being lost in this city.
Jean Campbell, Vancouver
