2544 replies to this topic

[Bernard]

I think she sent a strong message that we should take this seriously.  Meanwhile I know of at least three candidates that still have their signs up......   People are going to notice that and think badly of the candidates.

[Nparker]

 

Meanwhile I know of at least three candidates that still have their signs up......   People are going to notice that and think badly of the candidates

Or people may think these candidates are self-isolating, and/or taking care of their physical and mental well-being. Taking down election signs may simply not be a priority at this time.

[Mike K.]

I got a by-election pamphlet in the mail. I guess they've been circulating still despite the by-election cancellation.

[Bernard]

I do not see how still sending out something about the by-election will help any candidate.

[Victoria Watcher]

if it came by mail it might have been sent into the canada post system a week ago.  and could not be stopped.

[Mike K.]

Yup, that’s my thinking. It was from the CoV not a candidate.

[Stephen Andrew]

Hi. Weighing in because I think there are a few things missing here.

1. We were instructed to take signs down in four days following the cancellation. I should point out that 4 day timeframe is in a normal situation not hampered by health restrictions and at least one of our team not feeling well . We distributed 500 signs and it took several days to complete. I know my team and I worked diligently to do this. If you see any signs we missed please email us at signs@stephenandrew.ca and we will work fo grab them.

2. As far as my campaign goes - there should be no handouts distributed. If you receive anything please let me know and I will look into it.

It is possible other campaigns are distributing material via pre-arranged contracts with Canada Post. I personally would cut them some slack. It can be a slow moving process to cancel the process.

thx


S

[Mike K.]

Andrew, your crews should spend more time in Vic West as there are still signs out and about that I saw while driving through yesterday. Catherine Street for sure and I think a few more but unfortunately I can’t give you better coordinates. Bored kids are helping them disappear too, I’m sure

[Victoria Watcher]

1. We were instructed to take signs down in four days following the cancellation. I should point out that 4 day timeframe is in a normal situation not hampered by health restrictions and at least one of our team not feeling well . We distributed 500 signs and it took several days to complete. I know my team and I worked diligently to do this. If you see any signs we missed please email us at signs@stephenandrew.ca and we will work fo grab them.

 

 

and to be fair.  some that people say they are planting at X get installed at Y.  so it's hard to find all 500 perfectly.

[Awaiting Juno]

Any word on when this will resume? We can't wait two years before we fill the vacancy, so how do we run a covid compliant by-election?

[Nparker]

Any word on when this will resume? We can't wait two years before we fill the vacancy, so how do we run a covid compliant by-election?

I suspect Council has never been in a hurry to fill the vacancy. Taking advantage of the current crisis gives them an opportunity to forestall any possible shift in the existing power structure. I don't see a new date for the by-election any time before the fall.

[Victoria Watcher]

Any word on when this will resume? We can't wait two years before we fill the vacancy, so how do we run a covid compliant by-election?

 

the province can just amend the legislation to allow any length of wait they want.

[Stephen Andrew]

To be honest folks, do you think the public really is focussed on a Byelection at present.

Obviously I care and so do supporters, but is there an appetite for local political engagement outside our bubble?

Curious what you think.

[Victoria Watcher]

the province can just amend the legislation to allow any length of wait they want.

 

i suggested earlier that councils of 9 should be allowed to run with 8 until next election just in general.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 02 May 2020 - 08:52 AM.

[Mike K.]

Not particularly, no. The balance of power won’t change here regardless. Jobs are more top of mind now.

[Nparker]

i suggested earlier that councils of 9 should be allowed to run with 8 until next election just in general.

Perhaps if those who leave their position for another elected office without serving their full term were responsible for the costs of the by-election we wouldn't have to worry about this situation.

Edited by Nparker, 02 May 2020 - 09:10 AM.

[Nparker]

...is there an appetite for local political engagement outside our bubble?...

 

Not particularly, no...

I don't think there's ever a wrong time to be politically engaged, especially when we have local politicians using the current crisis to advance their personal agenda.

[Awaiting Juno]

Having a plan to make it happen is wise.  The current situation could well continue for upwards of 24 months.  Decisions still need to be made, and we need people at the table (even if it's a virtual table).  While a traditional election is likely not in the cards - one that relies upon the media to advance positions (rather than glad handing and door knocking) would likely be COVID compliant.  The conversation needs to continue, because, as NParker points out, the crisis is being used in ways it shouldn't.  A democracy exists, not only in times of peace and good health, but critically in times of crisis when good decisions become more important, not less.

[lanforod]

Zoom town halls and debates, vote by mail and online. Do it.

[Rob Randall]

Britain cancelled the 1940 election and formed a bi-partisan war cabinet. They were ten years between elections.

 

The recent Wisconsin election shows that even at the peak of the pandemic and with sloppy hygiene protocols, voting seemed to generate only a handful of fresh cases rather than the dangerous spike predicted by some. I think Victorians can safely go to the polls in a few months unless we begin to see signs of a second wave coming. 

 

It has already changed the focus for candidates. By election day we will witness the fallout of two events: the rehabilitation of the local economy and the transfer of tent city residents to area motels. These are fast-moving events and the election results might likely be different if the election were held now, six months from now or next year.