Today started off with a substantial change (evolution) for the UBCM. The second recommendation was to increase the number of Metro Vancouver representatives to the UBCM board of directors. Currently, there are 19 members of the board, with one representative assigned from the City of Vancouver and one from Metro Vancouver. I am currently the Metro Vancouver rep, this has been an excellent experience. However, the majority of the board members have been from outside the Metro Vancouver region, even though 50% of the population lives in Metro Vancouver. Today, the members of the UBCM voted to increase the Metro Vancouver area reps by 2, so there will be a minimum of 4 representing Metro Vancouver. This will make the UBCM board a stronger organization and will allow us to share more experiences.
The next two resolutions took two hours to debate – the first item was to increase the length of city council terms from three years to four. Most of the debate came down to an urban versus rural debate. Urban BC would like four year terms due to the cost of campaigning, the disruption of a campaign and the longer term will allow an elected official to follow through on major projects. The other side of the debate came down to a longer commitment which may discourage people from running, especially young people. The motion was defeated; however, there was a standing count requested. 266 opposed and 248 in favour, so the motion failed. However, Raymond Louie from Vancouver called a notice of motion, under the grounds that many people left the room and could not represent the UBCM members. After some time, it was decided to have a ballot vote. This vote will take place on Thursday from 8 to 9 am. Stay tuned.
The other vote was on the date of elections from the second week in November to the third week of October. There was not as much debate and this item passed.
The remainder of the day involved meetings, including a meeting with BC Ambulance.
Today was a good day and we made some good progress as an organization. Council continued to work together and represent our community very well.
