When the City of Prince Rupert announced its first public budget consultation meeting, a total of two residents showed. Two, out of a city of an estimated 13,000 people. Perhaps the city folk are content with the current administration. “Go ahead, spend our money however you please and we won’t complain!”
But they will complain. Take a look at the comments on our Facebook page, or listen to the conversations on the street. They’ll complain about property taxes and mill rates. They’ll complain about why there isn’t money going into potholes and fixing bridges.
Was it simply a lack of interest?
When young and invigorated Mayor Lee Brian took office in 2014 he promised to Re:Think Rupert and engage the public. Staring back at two faces in council chambers is hardly an engagement and maybe a sign council needs to re:think how it’s engaging public interest.