With reference to the guest commentary by John Kennair, the ward system has never been proven to be more efficient or accountable than the present model our city uses.
The ward system would certainly not reduce the influence special interest groups have on our elected officials, but it would streamline the process. The special interest groups would only have to “influence” the councillors representing the particular ward their pet project was being earmarked for rather than all of them.
What the ward system would do is allow councillors to pass the buck on major issues, especially the Arlington project, by stating that they are not responsible for that particular ward. The ward system could also encourage councillors to make trade-offs or deals for support of pet projects.
Further, you could have situations where no one from particular wards are interested in public service or several from one or two wards are interested and qualified, but not enough seats are available.
The current system is better as all councillors are responsible to all voters regardless of which “ward” you reside in.
Norm Harley, St. Albert
