Next month, Saint Johners will decide whether a ward system or an “at large” system is right for the city in the plebiscite (you have NO idea how hard that word is to spell).
At first glance, a ward system is tempting because it reduces the number of candidates on the ballot and ensures local representation. For some issues, this can be very important, particularly in the “neglected” residential areas of the city. However, I don’t think I can support a ward system for Saint John. Here’s why.
First of all, a ward system makes it easier for “bad” candidates to get elected if no “good” candidates run in a certain area. We have this art perfected already in Saint John. Let’s NOT make that easier.
Secondly, the ward system would transform Saint John from one city into four smaller communities based on the ward boundaries. Elected councilors would feel more obligated to represent the issues facing their own ward instead of thinking of the overall greater picture. If we ever amalgamate with Grand-Bay Westfield, Rothesay and Quispamsis, then perhaps a ward system would be useful then to allow those communities to elect councillors separately from the “old Saint John”, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us right now.
Thirdly, consider the proposal right now to bastardize UNBSJ into some form of polytechnic. Since the university is physically located in the proposed “ward 2″ (North), responsibility for addressing this issue may fall onto the 2 councillors elected from that area alone, despite the fact that the university has impacts affecting the whole city. The councillors from the East and West wards may not involve themselves too much with the issue since it’s perhaps more out of sight and out of mind for those residents.
In the end, I don’t think it will be the end of the world if we do move to a ward system. That said, residents of Saint John should be cautious before viewing a ward system as a solution to all of our problems.
Let me know what you think, if you agree with me or not.
Tags: n.b., saint john
