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Letter: No leaf unturned

The Joint Working Group was tasked with conducting public engagement to determine overall acceptance of a city name change. ~ Paul McMahon
letter_to_editor

The signed petitions requesting a referendum on a City of Powell River name change was the issue receiving the largest public support (according to “the report,” page 78 of the consultant’s 210-page report); there were 1,968 signed petitions, the highest number of individual city citizens’ support for an issue during the name change engagement process [“Report of possible renaming of Powell River released,” July 15].

The report (two reports were released: Joint Working Group Recommendations, three pages; and “the report,” consultant’s 210-page report) described the methods, result and analysis, a mammoth slice and dice of the name change engagement project to date.

The Joint Working Group (JWG ) was tasked with conducting public engagement to determine overall acceptance of a city name change. After six months of aggressive public engagement, absolutely no leaf was unturned but a few were stomped on and no cost spared (or reported), however, a small group of “Concerned Citizens” managed to obtain greater verifiable participation, and a credible way to determine, acceptance or not, for a city name change.

The benefits/uniqueness of the concerned citizens’ position is that it respects the rights of individuals to decide which option they would choose, as compared to the JWG manipulative strategy for a one solution only outcome.

Public participation is vital. Hold city council to account. The upcoming municipal election in October will provide the opportunity for new candidates to declare their position for true public participation, by supporting a referendum on a city name change.

Paul McMahon,
Invermere Court