I understand the legal requirement for local politicians to remain impartial when dealing with development applications, but, come on, at some point voters deserve to know where our decision makers stand.
Mayor Lois Jackson announced last week she's seeking a legal opinion from outside counsel to determine what council members, and would-be council members, can safely say about the Southlands development proposal as the November election draws near.
Making prejudicial comments on an application has always been a concern for sitting politicians because it can come back to bite them should that proposal ever come before them for a vote. If they've already declared their opposition, or support, for a project, they've lost the impartiality they're legally bound to exhibit.
Surely that unbiased approach can't extend to election campaigns, which provide candidates the opportunity to articulate their platforms and policies in an effort to attract voters. Candidates have to be able to show their cards so voters can determine whether they'll receive their support or not. It's how our democracy works.
I suspect a lot of votes cast in Tsawwassen this November will be based on where the candidates line up on the Southlands. It's the single biggest issue by a wide margin so keeping voters in the dark makes no sense whatsoever.
It's not clear whether, by seeking a legal opinion, the mayor is just being careful or if it's a ploy to cut off questions on this most contentious of topics. I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt, but given the great lengths this council has taken to avoid talking about the Southlands over the last couple of years, it makes me wonder. And I'm not the only one.
"I can't tell you where I stand on the matter because the lawyer says so." Something tells me that's not going to cut it as an answer at what will undoubtedly be emotionally-charged all-candidates meetings this fall.
Nor should it suffice as a response from someone looking to represent your interests at municipal hall. Voters should know where you're coming from and how you're likely to vote should you be elected. In fact, a lack of clarity should make them suspicious. Hopefully the legal opinion the mayor receives uses some common sense and we don't ever get to that point.
Voters shouldn't have to wait to find out your position until you cast your vote at the council table. By that time it's too late.
