Re: CRD seeks approval to double housing budget (News, Jan. 25)
The alternate approval process (APP) is being used once again by local government.
This time, the Capital Regional District is seeking approval from residents to borrow up to $85 million to address the housing crisis.
Instead of a referendum, the APP process only requires a 10 per cent electoral response to veto the proposal.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait stated in the News Mirror that the decision to use the alternate approval process for the housing issue is due to the challenges and cost of a regional referendum.
It is necessary to hold a referendum for important issues such as housing, so that the residents who are most affected by the added strain on our already failing infrastructure can vote on the matter.
True democracy has a cost. Those who sacrificed their lives for it speak loudly in silence.
Armin Sielopp
East Sooke