The Editor,
Two Coquitlam councillors are heading to Victoria as a result of the recent provincial election. This certainly speaks to the quality of talent that makes up our elected city officials.
A full council complement is certainly needed to carry on city business. Vigorous, informed debate representing various points of view is a necessity. Leaving two council seats vacant without conducting a byelection would impair the work of the council.
City hall informs me that the city has sizeable election reserve funding. A byelection would use money already designated and incur no additional expense to Coquitlam taxpayers.
I hope council will agree to hold a byelection so that those interested in running can come forward and so residents will have a full council to conduct city affairs. The provisions for such a byelection are part of the provincial act governing municipal government, and there's so sense in side-stepping them at this time.
Steve Bailey, Coquitlam
