September 15, 2011
City's website feeds mistrust and suspicions
Is it really that hard to find the counter petition forms on the City’s website? Christina Mader, an opponent of the proposed Lorne Street parkade, would have us think so. Her reasoning is that the website uses the formal term “alternative approval process” instead of counter petition.
What she doesn’t mention is that there a big graphic on a ballot box on the home page, which should be an obvious clue. And even if it isn’t, there is a clear explanation underneath, which includes the word “petition,” along with a direct link to the forms labelled “Lorne Street parkade.”
The fact that her complaint has received any credence points more to the mistrust that City council has generated in this whole parkade process. Many people feel, with some justification, that councillors are ignoring their wishes and going ahead with a project that is clearly not wanted. So it’s only natural that they’re suspicious.
Would it have killed the City to used the words “counter petition” when explaining the alternative approval process? No. So why didn’t they? You don’t have to be very cynical to wonder if there might be some ulterior motive.
By the why, I have a bone of my own to pick with the City’s website. Why don’t they use a picture of Kamloops in the banner? I have nothing against the Indian reserve, but a photograph of the city itself would seem a more obvious and appropriate choice.