BC Liberals Want To Extend Municipal Election Terms But Not Everyone Wants It

VANCOUVER – The BCLiberal government wants toincrease municipal councilterms from three to four yearsstarting in the fall but not everyonethinks it’s a good idea.The Coalition of ProgressiveElectors (COPE) says it creates,among other problems, anunfair situation for new candidatesconsidering running.COPE spokesperson Tim Louisis “strongly opposed” to thedecision, saying it reduces publicinput on elections andundermines the democraticprocess.“The less frequent municipalelections occur, the easier it isfor deep-pocketed parties topurchase the outcome and theless accountable politiciansbecome,” said Louis.“As a party committed to realdemocracy and a level playingfield at election time, we are disappointedwith the province’sannouncement,” he continued,adding that it was only in 1990that a three-year term was introduced,up from the previoustwo.Louis is also concerned aboutthe lack of movement on campaignfinance reform.“The real issue now is that corporationscan still donateunlimited sums of money topolitical parties. This is whatpeople really care about,” Louiscontinued.Subject to legislative approval,the next B.C. local electionsafter November 2014 will be inOctober 2018. The governmentsays four-year terms will givelocal governments more time toconsult, plan and achieve communitygoals – and also help tomanage election costs.All other Canadian provinceshold local government electionsevery four years.