The local government of a municipality should represent all regions, not just the most politicized.
One of the criticisms of recent Township of Langley councils is that it has been majority-led by candidates from two, maybe three neighbourhoods.
There is a very simply fix to ensure that all neighbourhoods and communities are represented: a ward system.
Think of it as “ridings” within a city.
Imagine one elected councilor from Walnut Grove, one from Willoughby, one from Murrayville, one from Aldergrove, one from Brookswood, one from Willowbrook, etc.
Lines would be drawn to make sure each ward had an equal amount of voters.
But this way you’d make sure that each area was properly represented.
Imagine knowing exactly which councilor to email when you have a burnt-out street lamp.
Almost every single jurisdiction outside of British Columbia has some form of a ward system, even if it is mixed (some voted at-large, some regional).
If you feel that your neigbourhood’s concerns are not being listened to, consider that there is not one singular politician that needs to answer to you.
And don’t forget that you have stronger representation as a ward. Most people forget that White Rock was once a ward of the City of Surrey. Eventually they felt that they were not being treated fairly by the local government so they broke off on their own.
Do you think your neighbourhood would be better off on their own?
Maybe they would. Or perhaps stronger together, once the neighbourhood needs are met.
But the first step towards better representation is to implement a ward system.