Thank you for your email! COPE's position on your questions follow below.

On Thu, 07 Nov 2002 07:45:44 -0800
Fair Vote Canada <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org> (by way of Coalition of
Progressive Electors <cope@cope.bc.ca>) wrote:
>Dear Coalition of Progressive Electors,
>
>As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
>voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
>commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
>wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
>59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
>change to the method of electing city councillors.
>
>Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
>2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
>Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
>project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
>stand on municipal electoral reform.
>
>We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
>November 10:
>
Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
Vancouver, with no change?
NO

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
advocate if elected?
COPE WILL IMPLEMENT A WARD SYSTEM.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?
THE IMIPLEMENTATION OF A WARD SYSTEM IS VERY IMPORTANT AND IS ONE OF OUR MAIN PLATFORM POLICIES.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
voters who express them?
COPE SUPPORTS A WARD SYSTEM TO WILL ENSURE ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE MORE REPRESENTATIVE OF, AND ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR CONSTITUENCIES.

On behalf of COPE, thank you!
Celine
Researcher
***********************
New Solutions. Fresh Ideas.
Larry Campbell & COPE

Campaign Address:
2501 Main St., Vancouver, BC V5T 3E5
Web Site: http://www.cope.bc.ca
Telephone: (604) 255-0400
Fax: (604) 708-5740

Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
604-939-8784
>
>Thank you for your answers,
>
>Fair Vote Canada
>Greater Vancouver Chapter.
>http://www.alternatives.com/fvc
>
>Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:
>
>http://www.fairvotecanada.org
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
>http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
>http://www.fairvotingbc.com
>http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

>From Jennifer Clarke, via Benjamin Hecker

Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
Vancouver, with no change?

- YES

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
advocate if elected?

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

- IF 60% OF THE ELCTORATE VOTE TO CHANGE THE PRESENT SYSTEM I WOULD BE IN FAVOUR, BUT IT IS NOT A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE FOR ME PERSONALLY AS MANY VOTERS WANT TO VOTE FOR CANDIDATES BY ISSUE NOT GEOGRAPHIC AREA.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
voters who express them?

- NOT THAT IMPORTANT

Hello,

  My campaign is just to raise awareness to 'Open Source', not to actually win.  Although on a personal level it sounds like the Ward System would be a smart solution.

Thank you

Andre Paris

My answers are shown below in BOLD.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MY ANSWERS REPRESENT MY OPINION AND NOT NECESSARILY PRESENT COPE POLICY.
Sincerely,

Dr Fred Bass, Councillor
City of Vancouver
453 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Y 1V4

tel: (604) 873-7240 fax: (604) 873-7750
email: clrbass@city.vancouver.bc.ca

Trees don't make a forest; forests make trees--Herb Hammond

-----Original Message-----
From: Fair Vote Canada [mailto:vancouver@fairvotecanada.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 3:30 AM
To: Unlisted-recipients
Cc: Fair Vote Canada
Subject: Municipal Election Survey -- Please Respond

Dear Council Candidate,

As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
change to the method of electing city councillors.

Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
stand on municipal electoral reform.

We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
November 10:

Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
Vancouver, with no change?
NO

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
advocate if elected?
MIXED WARD & AT-LARGE WITH THE AT LARGE SERVING TO REPRESENT VANCOUVER AT GVRD & TRANSLINK. MY CONCERN IS HOW TO BRING PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION INTO THIS WITHOUT DRASTICALLY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF COUNCILLORS AND COSTS THEREOF IS NOT CLEAR TO ME. I THINK CONSIDERABLE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION IS NECESSARY.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?
VERY IMPORTANT

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
voters who express them?
VERY IMPORTANT (EXCEPT THAT YOU ARE IMPLYING THAT REPRESENTATION OF MINORITY PARTIES WILL CONVEY THE "minority views of Vancouverites". I AM NOT SURE THAT THIS IS NECESSARILY TRUE.

Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
604-939-8784

Thank you for your answers,

Fair Vote Canada
Greater Vancouver Chapter.
http://www.alternatives.com/fvc

Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:

http://www.fairvotecanada.org
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
http://www.fairvotingbc.com
http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

Please find my responses embedded in your survey below. Thank you for
sending the survey - it is extremely timely. The thrust of my campaign is
the democratic deficit in Vancouver civic politics, particularly due to the
combination of an at large system and first past the post system - the worst
of two possible electoral systems.

Sincerely,

Brent Bazinet

----- Original Message -----
From: "Fair Vote Canada" <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org>
To: <Recipient list suppressed>
Cc: "Fair Vote Canada" <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 3:29 AM
Subject: Municipal Election Survey -- Please Respond

Dear Council Candidate,

As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
change to the method of electing city councillors.

Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
stand on municipal electoral reform.

We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
November 10:

Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
Vancouver, with no change?

NO!

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
advocate if elected?

I, along with vcaTEAM, advocate a mixed system, incorporating 5 wards,
preferably with a preferential ballot, and an at large proportional rep
ballot for the remaining 5 positions. The latter 5 elected people would
represent Vancouver at GVRD, thereby holding them directly accountable for
their voting record at the regional level.

We are also committed to consulting with the citizens of Vancouver prior to
implementing a new system, as the preference may be for another variant of
the ward system. Regardless, we are committed to having a version of a ward
system in place for the next election and not simply another plebescite
question on the ballot.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

It is very important to me, largely due to the fact it is the number one
request of fellow Vancouverites that I hear during my campaign.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
voters who express them?

It is important, and that is expressed in our party platform as discussed
above, which I fully support. The demand for wards is so strong, however,
upon consultation with the citizens, a mixed system may not be well
supported, particularly as the majority of people I have talked with do not
believe in party politics at a civic level. This is largely why I am
championing a preferrential ballot for those being elected on a ward basis,
whether it be 50% or 100% of the councillors, to ensure elected officials
must appeal to not simply a plurality, but at least on some level, a simple
majority in the ward that they are to represent.

Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
604-939-8784

Thank you for your answers,

Fair Vote Canada
Greater Vancouver Chapter.
http://www.alternatives.com/fvc

Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:

http://www.fairvotecanada.org
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
http://www.fairvotingbc.com
http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

Dear Fair Vote Vancouver,
Thank you first for providing this survey and second for including me in
your invitation to respond.
My answers to the questions follows below.
Nancy A. Chiavario
vcaTEAM Council Candidate
Vancouver

> Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
> Vancouver, with no change?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! NO! I HAVE SUPPORTED AND ADVOCATED FOR CHANGING THE GOVERNANCE OF VANCOUVER DURING ALL OF MY POLITICAL PARTICIPATION.

> If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
> advocate if elected?
I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE PEOPLE OF VANCOUVER TO DESIGN A NEW GOVERNANCE MODEL TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE 2005 CIVIC ELECTION.
MY PERSONAL IDEA IS:
PARTIAL WARDS WITH PARTIAL AT-LARGE. THE AT-LARGE COUNCILLORS WOULD ALSO BE THE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE GVRD, THUS BRINGING ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE GVRD WITHOUT CREATING A SEPERATE LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT. REGIONAL COUNCILLORS WOULD ALSO BE WEARING TWO HATS AS CITY-WIDE COUNCILLORS. THERE IS ALSO A POSSIBILITY OF ALSO HAVING THE WARD COUNCILLORS ELECTED TO WEAR TWO HATS, BEING BOTH CITY COUNCILLOR AND CITY PARK COMMISSIONER. THIS MODEL WOULD THEN BRING MAJOR ISSUES TOGETHER FOR DECISION-MAKING THAT MUST CONSIDER THEIR DECISIONS IN RELATION TO ALL ASPECTS, I.E. PARK BOARD, CITY AND REGION.

>
> How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
> a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
> of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?
IT IS IMPERITIVE THAT WHATEVER MODEL OF GOVERNANCE IS IMPLEMENTED. HOW BEST TO ENSURE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND CITIZEN REPRESENTATION IS PART OF DECISION-MAKING SHOULD BE PART OF THE MANDATE IN DESIGNING THE NEW GOVERNANCE MODEL. THERE ARE MANY EXAMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA AND ELSEWHERE THAT CAN BE CONSIDERED. BOTTOM-LINE, MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING IS ONE OF THE PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ELECTED BODY TO FAIRLY AND HONELSTLY REPRESENT THE CITIZENS.
>
> How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
> a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
> Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number
of
> voters who express them?
THE CONCEPT OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IS IMPORTANT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE DIVERSITY OF CANDIDATES, PEOPLE AND ISSUES HAVE A FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF DECISIONS THAT AFFECT THE DIVERSITY OF THE CITIZENS. IT ALSO HAS THE ROLE OF MINIMIZING THE CURRENT VERY LIMITING THE STALMATE ASPECTS OF "OPPOSITION" POLITICS. I WOULD WANT PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION TO BE PART OF THE TERMS OF REFERENCE IN DESIGNING THE NEW VANCOUVER GOVERNANCE MODEL.

Nancy A. Chiavario
vcaTEAM Council Candidate for Vancouver City Council
604-877-0563

Sorry I am late:

I favour a partial ward system right away and during the first year
consulting with the voters and implementing a better system then we have
now. Remember, it is not as easy as implementing a ward system which we
have in fact provincially. The main issue is getting a better way of
getting people involved in decisions that effect them. The current system
does not work.

Art Cowie, vcaTEAM council candidate.

At 03:29 AM 11/07/2002 -0800, you wrote:
>Dear Council Candidate,
>
>As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
>voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
>commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
>wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
>59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
>change to the method of electing city councillors.
>
>Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
>2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
>Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
>project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
>stand on municipal electoral reform.
>
>We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
>November 10:
>
>Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
>Vancouver, with no change?
>
>If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
>advocate if elected?
>
>How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
>a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
>of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?
>
>How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
>a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
>Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
>voters who express them?
>
>Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
>604-939-8784
>
>Thank you for your answers,
>
>Fair Vote Canada
>Greater Vancouver Chapter.
>http://www.alternatives.com/fvc
>
>Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:
>
>http://www.fairvotecanada.org
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
>http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
>http://www.fairvotingbc.com
>http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

At 03:29 AM 11/7/2002 -0800, you wrote:

Response from Connie Fogal-Rankin Vancouver Greens, COuncil candidate

>Dear Council Candidate,
>
>As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
>voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
>commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
>wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
>59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
>change to the method of electing city councillors.
>
>Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
>2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
>Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
>project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
>stand on municipal electoral reform.
>
>We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
>November 10:
>
>Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
>Vancouver, with no change? No
>
>If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
>advocate if elected?

Wards and some form of Proportional representation

>How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
>a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
>of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

Very important

>How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
>a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
>Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
>voters who express them?

Very important

>Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
>604-939-8784
>
>Thank you for your answers,
>
>Fair Vote Canada
>Greater Vancouver Chapter.
>http://www.alternatives.com/fvc
>
>Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:
>
>http://www.fairvotecanada.org
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
>http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
>http://www.fairvotingbc.com
>http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONNIE FOGAL-RANKIN, for COUNCIL,
VANCOUVER GREENS
VANCOUVER CIVIC ELECTION NOVEMBER 16,2002
TEL: 604 872-2128 FAX: 604 872-1504 E MAIL : conniefogal@telus.net

Dear Fair Vote Canada:

See answers following each of your questions.

Alan Herbert
vcaTEAM Council Candidate.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Fair Vote Canada" <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org>
To: <Recipient list suppressed>
Cc: "Fair Vote Canada" <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 3:29 AM
Subject: Municipal Election Survey -- Please Respond

> Dear Council Candidate,
>
> As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
> voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
> commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
> wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
> 59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
> change to the method of electing city councillors.
>
> Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
> 2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
> Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
> project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
> stand on municipal electoral reform.
>
> We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
> November 10:
>
> Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
> Vancouver, with no change?

DEFINATELY NOT

>
> If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
> advocate if elected?
>

FULL WARD SYSTEM.

> How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
> a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
> of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?
>

THE AT LARGE SYSTEM REQUIRES CANDIDATES TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE ISSUES AND HOPES OF 550,000 PEOPLE IN VANCOUVER. THAT IS NOT PRACTICAL, IT IS IN SOME WAYS A MOCKERY OF THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE REASON WHY THERE IS SUCH A LOW VOTER TURN OUT IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS IN VANCOUVER.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN SEES VOTERS FACED WITH LARGE NUMBERS OF CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE SAME SPOTS. THAT NUMBER TOO POSES ITS OWN PRACTICALITIES AS THE VOTING PUBLIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE INTENTIONS OF BETWEEN 60 OR 100 CANDIDATES. THIS TOO IS A MOCKERY.

> How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
> a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
> Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number
of
> voters who express them?
>

THE PROPORTIONAL SYSTEM HAS MUCH TO COMMEND IT BUT IT IS ALSO FLAWED IN THAT IT TENDS TO DRAW FROM LISTS. THESE LISTS, USUALLY DRAWN BY THE PARTIES, TEND TO ENSURE THAT THE SAME NAMES ARE IN OFFICE, ELECTION AFTER ELECTION. I HAVE LIVED IN COUNTRIES WITH THIS AND THAT IS THE COMPLAINT THERE.

> Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
> 604-939-8784
>
> Thank you for your answers,
>
> Fair Vote Canada
> Greater Vancouver Chapter.
> http://www.alternatives.com/fvc
>
> Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:
>
> http://www.fairvotecanada.org
> http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
> http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
> http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
> http://www.fairvotingbc.com
> http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

My responses are in parenthesis after each question. B. Hickey

Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
Vancouver, with no change?

(No. The at large electoral system in Vancouver has marginalized certain areas of the city, and continually encourages low voter turn out at the polls).

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
advocate if elected?

(I would like to ask the citizens of Vancouver if they want a ward system of neighborhoods or, a mixed council of 5 councillors and 5 councillors at-large. Firstly I would encourage the commission of a report that would lead to the most appropriate electoral system for the City of Vancouver. I support vibrant living and highly involved neighborhoods in civic decision making).

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

(Extremely important-many people in Vancouver are confused by the at-large city wide council we currently have in place. City wide interests need to be incorporated into City Hall and there needs to be direct access and accountability).

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
voters who express them?

(Extremely important. vcaTEAM believes that neighborhoods in Vancouver should be recognized as unique, and diverse, and that each individual should be able to have a say in how our city is governed and input on decisions by individuals and groups should be encouraged. As Vancouver moves into a new century, civic governance should reflect the needs and wishes of the people. I fully support public involvement, diversity and tolerance).

Barney Hickey, RN,MScN,CPMHN(C)
vcaTEAM City Council Candidate

--
Barney Hickey
vcaTEAM.ca
http://www.barneyhickey.com/

We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday, November 10:

Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in Vancouver, with no change?

Yes.

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you advocate if elected?

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

Quite important.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of voters who express them?

Quite important.

Fair Vote Canada
Greater Vancouver Chapter,

1. No
2. Either a pure ward or a mixed ward and proportional representation.
3. Very important
4. Important, but I am not certain how best to bring this about within an
electorial jurisdition the size of Vancouver while maintaining
neighbourhood representation at the same time.

At the end of the day, we must let the citizens decide. A COPE majority
would immediately appoint a retired Supreme Court judge to hold public
meetings, and make recommendations with a report back within six months.

Tim Louis
City Councillor
City of Vancouver
604-873-7248

-----Original Message-----
From: Fair Vote Canada [mailto:vancouver@fairvotecanada.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 3:30 AM
To: Unlisted-recipients
Cc: Fair Vote Canada
Subject: Municipal Election Survey -- Please Respond

Dear Council Candidate,

As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
change to the method of electing city councillors.

Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
stand on municipal electoral reform.

We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
November 10:

1. Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
Vancouver, with no change?

2. If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
advocate if elected?

3. How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

4. How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
voters who express them?

Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
604-939-8784

Thank you for your answers,

Fair Vote Canada
Greater Vancouver Chapter.
http://www.alternatives.com/fvc

Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:

http://www.fairvotecanada.org
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
http://www.fairvotingbc.com
http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

>> Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city
>> government in Vancouver, with no change?
>no. we need reform.
>>
>> If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes
>> would you advocate if elected?
>a mixture of at-large and ward representatives on council.
>>
>> How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should
>> include a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that
>> different parts of the city should vote separately for candidates
>> representing their area?
>very important.
>> How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should
>> include a degree of proportional representation, that is that
>> minority views of Vancouverites should be represented on council
>> in relation to the number of voters who express them?
>
>very important. that's a great way to get voters out and to have a
>civic government that represents the interests of it's citizens.
>
> http://www.alternatives.com/fvc
>>
>> Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:
>>
>> http://www.fairvotecanada.org
>> http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
>> http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
>> http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
>> http://www.fairvotingbc.com
>> http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm

We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday, November 10:

Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in Vancouver, with no change?

NO.

If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you advocate if elected?

Some type of so-called ward system with representation from the communities of our city.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?

I am in support of some form of neighbourhood representation.

How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of voters who express them?

I have been following the proportional representation discussions and am interested to learn about how to apply this at the municipal level. So I can say that I agree with some approach to proportional representation and believe thought should be given to this as we reconstruct the electoral process in Vancouver.

In conclusion, Vancouver needs a new approach to the electoral process. Less than one third of citizens vote in the city election. I will support and work towards reform which includes a public process so that we can set up an acceptable way of choosing our city representatives.

Greetings,

My responses are inserted below.

Regards

Doug Warkentin
City Council Candidate
Vancouver Green Party
dwarkentin@idmail.com

 
>From: Fair Vote Canada <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org>
>To: (Recipient list suppressed)
>CC: Fair Vote Canada <vancouver@fairvotecanada.org>
>Subject: Municipal Election Survey -- Please Respond
>Date: Thu, 07 Nov 2002 03:29:43 -0800
>
>Dear Council Candidate,
>
>As you know, many voters have expressed a desire to change Vancouver's
>voting system. In addition to the current "at large" system, political
>commentators have suggested electing councillors either in single-member
>wards, or using some variant of proportional representation. In 1996,
>59.43% of Vancouver voters indicated that they would like to see a
>change to the method of electing city councillors.
>
>Fair Vote Canada is a non-partisan grassroots organization, founded in
>2000, which is building a nationwide campaign for voting system reform in
>Canada. The Greater Vancouver Chapter of Fair Vote Canada has initiated a
>project to determine where the various municipal candidates and parties
>stand on municipal electoral reform.
>
>We therefore ask that you answer the following questions by Sunday,
>November 10:
>
>Do you favour keeping the existing system of electing city government in
>Vancouver, with no change?
>
No

>If you do not favour keeping the current system, what changes would you
>advocate if elected?
>
I believe there should be a public process to develop a system that works
for Vancouver. Personally, I would advocate for a mixed system of
neighbourhood Wards and At-large Councillors elected by some form of
proportional vote.
Ideally, the public process would look at electoral reform for the whole
region, with a view to electing representatives to the GVRD and Translink
directly as well.

>How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
>a degree of neighbourhood representation, that is that different parts
>of the city should vote separately for candidates representing their area?
>
Very important. As a candidate, I have seen first-hand the impossible task
of communicating with, and representing, all parts of the city.

>How important is it to you that Vancouver's voting system should include
>a degree of proportional representation, that is that minority views of
>Vancouverites should be represented on council in relation to the number of
>voters who express them?
>
This is also important, as communities are not only geographical, and many
issues go beyond nieghbourhoods, so it will be important to have Councillors
who are able to take the broader view.

>Please respond by email to vancouver@fairvotecanada.org or by fax to
>604-939-8784
>
>Thank you for your answers,
>
>Fair Vote Canada
>Greater Vancouver Chapter.
>http://www.alternatives.com/fvc
>
>Some other useful Internet web site links for your reference:
>
>http://www.fairvotecanada.org
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election_systems/contents.html
>http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/ctyclerk/election96/96results/opinion.htm
>http://www.npsnet.com/cdd/PR-West.htm
>http://www.fairvotingbc.com
>http://www.alternatives.com/cfer/pro-ward.htm