First this damning assessment from the now former Times-Colonist municipal reporter Carolyn Heiman:
How did they do last term? Here's a summary:To summarize: to her credit she wants to be progressive, but to her detriment she has a high absentee rate, doesn't prepare for her work on council, and was the most vociferous advocate of increasing the salaries of councilors.
- Sonya Chandler
Achievements: Winding up her first term on council after getting elected on a Green Party slate, she pushes for a wide range of city practices and policies that are better for the environment, including a comprehensive recycling program at city hall.
Needs work: Even taking into account the period she took for maternity leave, she has a high absentee rate at council and often asks questions when the answer is easily found in the agenda papers.
Comments: The least experienced member on council, she was the loudest voice in the cry for higher wages for those serving.
To add to this at a candidates' debate earlier this week she mentioned that she regrets her vote in favour of the city's bylaw which only allows homeless people to put up tents in parks between 9pm and 7am. While I appreciate that honesty what I'd like in a councilor is someone who can think for themselves the first time around.
The above facts, the only ones I have to go on, lead to the conclusion that she does not have the temerity and intelligence to be a good councilor. I say this as a left wing supporter. But in the same way I would hope right wing people would find Sarah Palin unqualified, though she is unquestionably right wing, so too do I find Sonya Chandler an imprudent choice for Victoria city council.
