To the editor:
Mr. David Kuhn's letter about interchanges (West Kelowna Needs Interchanges Along Highway, March 16 Kelowna Capital News) appears to be based in part on a misunderstanding of West Kelowna council (and city committee) voting rules.
He says "the mayor didn't vote," but if he was present, he did. In fact, it is only necessary to raise one's hand or otherwise indicate if one is opposed to a motion or resolution. Some mayors simply ask "anyone opposed?" because of that.
The BC Community Charter states:
"Section 123
(3) Each council member present at the time of a vote must vote on the matter.
(4) If a council member does not indicate how he or she votes, the member is deemed to have voted in the affirmative."
The mayor is, of course, a council member.
Although I do not reside in West Kelowna, I write because I have seen lack of understanding of this rule cause some significant problems in dealings elsewhere.
Edward Guy, Kelowna