Councillors accused of conflict of interest

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Checkbook politics

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uploaded by Barry ORegan

In recent months the ethics in politics has been featured in the media concerning political donations to political parties, including donations made to elected officials by those who wish elect officials who will help further their cause, whether it be development, rezoning agricultural land to residential, to passing laws or motions which would benefit the contributor. 

While political donations for favours have been around as far back as biblical times, perhaps ethically, politicians should consider the voices of the many, many who may not have contributed financially to any one political office holder or party against the few who contributed financially to any one party.

After all it is not the few who got the political office holders elected but the populace in the politicians riding.

The case of Delta, BC Councillors kowtowing to the few who contributed financially to Councillors needs to be addressed, when the wishes of the few seem to far outweigh the wishes of those whose votes put these Councillors in political office.

Though Delta is not alone when it comes to conflict of interest, Vancouver seems to get the lions share of political donations, raising the ire of voters who feel their concerns are not being met.

Some political contributors seem to cover all the bases and contribute to all comers in the hopes of getting motions or bills passed. 

Delta Councillors are accused of a conflict of interest over a development project proposed by a BC developer who contributed to their political campaign have many Delta voters angered that their objections to any development are not being considered.

Developers for the most part fill a need, providing jobs, boosting the local economy, housing and other ancillary services. Without developers, Vancouver and the lower mainland would not have the cache it currently enjoys worldwide.

Certainly if the case of majority voter rule is ignored in favour of political contributors, perhaps politicians at the outset when running for office should publicly declare all political donations beforehand letting voters know which side of the fence they are on.

Of course, now I am just being silly koo koo bananas to think this would pass.