The Yukon Chamber of Commerce would like to change the Yukon Municipal Act to allow voting at a municipal election for those that pay municipal taxes but happen to live outside the boundaries.
What about other people in the satellite communities surrounding the municipality? Like the working stiff employed by one of these establishments but can’t vote because they live in Rock Creek?
Around Dawson City hundreds of potential voters are shut out just because they live a few steps from the perimeter. Aren’t they a part of the whole community?
They may not pay town taxes directly but they certainly help support the businesses that do. Neighbouring residents contribute to the economic and overall health of a community just as much as those that live within the boundaries. So why should they be penalized?
Sometimes I grow wearisome of those entrepreneurs who present themselves as worthy of special entitlement while those that support businesses with their dollars go unrecognized and undefended.
When the the wastewater treatment plant referendum took place my CAO and I had difficulty interpreting the ambiguous section of the act that defines who can vote. Lawyers advised that we could allow businesses one vote each regardless of where the proprietor lived or not allow them a ballot at all. Either option could be defended according to how the act is written.
I think we did the right thing and opted to give every business one vote at the referendum. Unfortunately, there was no provision for regular citizens living nearby.
If the the Municipal Act is going to be reviewed based on the question – who can cast a municipal vote – then I would strongly suggest that all community members be considered rather than only one special interest group.
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That would be a dangerous and regressive move. There was a time when only so-called rate payers were allowed to vote. As it is, if you look at society from a distance, it is evident that a $20-bill has more rights than a citizen has. Money already controls our politics at the national and provincial/territorial level. Last thing communities need is to have money also control local government politics.
Agreed.
Make changes to include everyone in the community using well thought out criteria, regardless of where they live without having to expand the boundaries of the municipality.