While the issue of what we pay our elected municipal councillors seemed to drum up enough interest, the response to the question of ward boundaries appears relatively moribund.

Many wise people have said that no one cares what their ward is. Given the distribution of wards in Brantford — they’re not aligned to traditional neighbourhoods or other social affiliations — this may not come as a surprise.

A little over 50 people had completed the online survey on wards prior to the original end-of-June deadline which has since been extended. Is this a sad state of civic affairs?

There is serious disparity between wards when it comes to electors and representation. Council also stripped the ability of the citizens’ advisory committee to weigh in on the real question of effective representation when it comes to whether there should be full-time councillors (or a mix of full- and part-time, or a deputy mayor) This has to be addressed.

If no one cares enough to offer an opinion on what the wards should be, then don’t be too upset with what council’s decision on changes, if any, may end up being.

Categories: Brantford

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