AUN WA wal, Pa / te we wa Les prty + he wal. & . tN V4 N y eas ‘ AA we Yoru 4 c Lane £ | conan) Ins RONEN % nen Ab aK, Cen ON ane it Xamine amalgamati a secona opinion IN a democracy, the most popuiar person is usually also the most powerful. When we apply this rule to the North Shore, there is one civic politician whose influence exceeds all others. I’m referring to North Vancouver District council- lor, Ernie Crist. In che recent municipal elections, the Austrian-born, former Communist topped the polls once again. The popular and energetic Crist received more votes than any other local government rep- resentative on the North Shore. In spite of the dismal voter turnout, Crist has a larger mandate from voters — and therefore more legiti- macy —- than any other North Shore politician to speak out on issues of con- cern. -.He’s certainly wasted no time in getting down to business. On Monday night, at the first working session of North Vancouver's newly- elected council, Crist was busy pursuing one of his election. promises: amalgama- tion of the North Vancouver District and North * Vancouver City. And io the great credit of Mayor Don Bell and the new district council, they voted unanimously to support Crist’s proposal to establish a citizens’ task force on amal- gamation. | North ‘Vancouver City, . traditionally opposed to the ‘idea ‘of amalgamation, will be invited to participate in the process. And even though the city’s mayor, Jack as often bristled ~ with indignation at the very ~ thought: of j joining | forces district, it’s hoped study the issue, there will be plenty of time to air conceras and debate the pros and cons. In light of the provincial government's down- loading of services to munici- palities, the only responsible course of action is to at least consider ways to eliminate duplication and lower admin- istrative costs. Right now, the two North Vans share a number of joint services, such as police and recreation. Would amalgama- tion provide a more efficient means of delivering these ser- vices? Would it save taxpayers money? Would there be other advantages associated with a stronger, larger identi- ty? Would a united North Vancouver, incorporating more than 80,000 district residents and more than 40,000 city dwellers, have more political clout? These and other questions deserve to be explored in detail before any decision is made. The citizens task force might also want to consult with other municipalities that have considered or experi- enced a similar process. Given that the movement towards municipal amalga- mation has in recent times been popular right across the country, we can probably learn from the mistakes and successes of other jurisdic- tions, A good example, in some ways analogous to the North Shore, can be found in the nearby Fraser Valley commu- nity of Abbotsford. A gener- ation ago there were three often-quarrelling municipali- ties: Matsqui, Sumas and Abbotsford. Sumas and Abbotsford took the first big step, marrying in the 1970s After years of debate and dis- cussion, Matsqui and Abbotsford finally united in 1995. This most recent amalga- mation process was driven largely by business and com- “munity groups — not politi- cians. As is so often the case, it was the smaller community that was concerned about : being swallowed up bya: larger entity. * Although in Abbotsford. it’s interesting to note that the mayor of the smaller 1 951 ‘Lube, oif & filter change ‘Reg. $28. 95 Pennzoil 10W30 od 1362 Marine Drive 980-9115] Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 8:00am-6:009m, Sun. 9:00am-5:00pm pee approves competitor's coupon of cqual value accepted col Expires December an 1996 - 97 COLLECTORS’ CHOICE HOCKEY CARDS %& COLLECTOR KITS! * STOCKING STUFFERS! #& SETS & PACKS! Hurry in for the best selection! LOCATED: INSEARS ° 5" AT CAPILANO MALL | ‘Sport [SCARDS 990- 1003 municipality, long-serving George Ferguson, was elect- ed as mayor of the newly- amalgamated and much larg- er city, Abbotsford has achieved some obvious administrative cost reductions through amalgamation — just imag- ine the savings resulting from the elimination of overlap- ping and often competing boards, commissions and committees. There has also been 1 5% overall decrease in the num- ber of municipal staff posi- tions. But if you speak with officials or residents of the new City of Abbotsford (population 107,000), they will rell you that the biggest benefit has been the achieve- ment of a strong, common identity giving them greater recognition and much more weight when dealing with senior levels of government. Of course, no two situa- tions are identical and there is no single recipe for munic- ipal amalgamation. But Ernie Crist’s initiative has now started the ball rolling on the North Shore. The task force approved by North Vancouver District Council may be an important and historic first step. And it’s significant that this process will be directed by citizens, not by politicians with vested interests. (After all, a union of two munici- palities means the elimination of one mayor's job and prob- ably a few councillors as well.) There’s no downside to North Vancouver City partic- ipating in the process. Under the approved plan of action, the city has the opportunity to appoint half of the task force members. The two North Vancouvers owe it to their local taxpayers to take a good, hard look at this important question. And, from the sidelines, hopefully West Vancouver will be paying attention too. A Spiritual Guide for Our Times Sri Harold Klee Mahanta, the ving ECK Master A FREE WORKSHOP to help you discover how the Mahanta, the Keeper of the Secret Wisdom, can help you find truth within yourself. 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We thank all our customers for their support over the years. Our final day at this location will be January 7, 1997 Sorry: No lay away or holds during the period of this sale, All Sales Finat.