A graphic representing major communities in Chatham-Kent based on population size (Photo by Jake Kislinsky) A graphic representing major communities in Chatham-Kent based on population size (Photo by Jake Kislinsky)
Chatham

Expert Supports Ward Re-Evaluation

A political science professor believes the time is now for council to re-examine its size and ward boundaries.

Despite hearing an hour-long presentation about ward resizing, council will not go forward with an internal review.

Western University Political Science Professor Andrew Sancton says the post election period is the perfect time to re-evaluate its system. "The next municipal election is not for another three and a half years. If they just leave it, time's going to go by. Then, before the next election, someone's going to be saying 'hey we should do something about the council,' and by then it's going to be too late."

Sancton also expressed past assumptions that council doesn't like to decrease size because "that's like eliminating their own jobs." But that's the only way it can be done under Ontario law. Sancton adds any review should be given to a third party, to avoid conflict of interest.

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