To the editor:
On Monday, March 17 I made a presentation at city hall to put forth a motion to have a plebiscite on the proposed multiplex event centre. I pointed out that during the last four elections, voter turnout increased 10 oer cent on average when there was a plebiscite.
Also, I cited other reasons why we should have a plebiscite on this issue. For instance, why are we spending millions of dollars on studies for something the majority of citizens may not want at this time? Wouldn’t a decisive vote for either side go a long way in eliminating the divisiveness our city has regarding this issue and allow us to move forward in a unified direction?
A lot of questions were asked of many who did presentations that night, challenging them on what question should be asked and whether or not they read the studies.
It’s interesting to note, I wasn’t challenged in this regard, nor were any of my claims challenged. Just for the record, I did my homework and read all the studies as well as attending as many presentations as I could. One must remember in these studies, “the hypotheses represent plausible circumstances, but need not be, and may not have been fully supported” (Reference: Page 99, Phase 2 Feasibility Study). At best, these studies provide nothing more than optimistic speculation that will hopefully come true, if we continue down this road.
All criticism aside, I will give the city credit for being more forthcoming with this project, than the waterfront development project. They have done an excellent job in providing information online, by posting the results of all the studies and presentations done to date. I would request the city go further by providing the financial statements online for all the studies completed as well.
Andy Wolff,
Candidate, Current River Ward
