Governance

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In addition to the previous questions which focused on the environment, many people who have been involved in environmental issues have been frustrated by a ‘democracy gap’ in how environmental (and other) issues have been handled. The following questions are directed to that concern.

29. The Environmental Assessment process for the Clarington EFW / Incinerator has been contentious. Rate the process:
EFW process was very good 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 - Process was bad

30. For future projects, would you insist on a more open, consultative and responsive approval process?
Strongly Support 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Strongly Oppose

31. Would you support an initiative to make the position of Regional Chair elected by voters?
Would you support an initiative to make the position of Regional Chair elected by voters?
- Yes - by direct public election
- No - continue as at present (appointed by Regional Council)
- Undecided / Don't know
- Some other option - please describe

32. Municipal elections generally have very low turnouts. There are many causes for this, but in an effort to spark greater interest and generate better funded campaigns, would you support tax credits for donations to municipal candidates as they do in Toronto and other communities? (See Toronto's rebate policy.)
Strongly Support 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Strongly Oppose

33. A common complaint about municipal elections is that there are too few opportunities for voters to meet and question candidates. Would you support subsidies to community groups who are willing to sponsor non-partisan all-candidates meetings - these subsidies would be used to rent halls and generate appropriate publicity?
Strongly Support 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Strongly Oppose

34. Would you support changes to the sign by-laws to severely limit both the number and size of election signs on public property (boulevards, etc.)? Signs on private property (with the owner’s permission) would be unaffected.
Ban signs on public property 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 No Restrictions

35. Should election signs be banned from garbage? In other words should they be required to be recyclable?
Should election signs be banned from garbage? In other words should they be required to be recyclable?
- Signs must be recycled
- No restrictions
- Undecided / Don't know
- Other, please specify

36. In the 1950s municipal elections were held every year. Politicians were responsive to citizens because they were never very far from the next election. Since then the terms for councillors have gradually increased, and in the last election, terms were extended to 4 years. The rationale is that politicians need time to get things done and some of these things might be unpopular ...but necessary. What do you think is the most appropriate term?
One year Two years Three years Four years Five years

37. General Comments.