 |
 |
 |
 |
University - NO!
Bullshit - YES!
(06.22.02)
"When archeologists dig Squamish up they'll
either laugh or cry."
- Rusty Shackleford
After that dismal Spring, this weekend's weather was truly spectacular. As my beautiful assistant and I made our way down loggers lane I couldn't help but think it's a beautiful day to accomplish all those things that just have to wait until the weather gets nice. Paint the deck, play some ball, go for a ride. Guaranteed, on that list of things, voting was right below a kick in the teeth. Well, on Saturday 18% of Squamish came out to vote in the university referendum (note- that's low).
Talking to people the day of, it was obvious people just didn't know it was going on. Who's fault is that? Well, weather, advertising, and the fact that many have just given up all played a key role. Plus, with current turbulent times, I'm sure many of have enough on the plate without worrying about the details of the university. What the heck is it anyway? Well, on a moral level a "private" university is absolutely horrible. It's simply the beginning of a two-tiered educational system in Canada. Allowing only the rich to afford schooling perpetuates an ugly cycle leaving the poor no chance of respectable education or future.
Alas, this world is far from perfect and this bastardization of the process has to go somewhere, so what the heck, let's make some money off it. You'd think a dying town like ours would be all over it right? Well, the process has been repeatedly kiboshed by our current mayor and council. It doesn't help that they're dealing with the most elite of tricky businessmen. Peter and David are notorious big league players, and they're definitely not doing this for the benefit of Squamish. However the intangible benefits to Squamish is where opinions seem to differ.
Now about that referendum question. I'll be the first to publicly
admit I have no idea what I voted for. Sure I voted, but in the context
of the question I honestly have absolutely no idea what it said. I believe
the gist of it was, "there's lots of money that something's
going to happen to but we're not sure what yet"
It was the perfect wording if you really don't want the university
to go in.
So what now? Well, on Sunday, word of mouth spread the news that Squamish voted no. But by a slim margin, and from only 18% of the population. With numbers so low the result is really insignificant. But as a political tool it could be used as a coffin hammer, we'll just have to see.
Will the university want to stay or will it do the Cleveland shuffle out of town? Until then the fight continues with only five months before the pols open again. Be prepared, be brave, and hold on, no one said it was going to be easy.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |