There is a need for the James Bay Neighbourhood Association's Planning Committee to put a higher priority on our needs rather than those of developers' proposals, although, admittedly, their designs are of importance to our community.

For example, we have the more pressing problems of air and noise pollution from cruise ships, and from the multitude of taxis and buses serving passengers on shore visits. These problems, while complex, are solvable.

There are citizens in Langford community, with its particular problems, who are interested in having the Greater Victoria Regional District consider the notion of a modern, electric-rail transit-system from Langford to Downtown Victoria-safe and fast. Moreover, there could be plug-in electricity available at Ogden Point which could obviate the need for cruise ships having to run their engines, while docked just for heat and light, we would be wise to take a cue from Langford's request. But why stop there?

If JBNA were to partner with the Langford group about the importance of modern rail (not the clanking, snorting contraptions of yesteryear but with sleek designs that are seen now in parts of Europe) lower island transportation, including James Bay, would be positively transformed. into a more livable state.

I can visualize such a system sweeping through Fairfield and as far as Ogden Point at the end of James Bay. Because of narrow streets the rail line could be one-way with frequent trips from cruise ships and the Coho Ferry to city centre.

How James Bay, arguably Victoria's most vital neighbourhood, will look in the future-long after single-family lots have gone by way of the dodo bird-will be the result of the soundness of our planning now.

Steel, glass and reinforced concrete could replace wood and bland stucco for a higher skyline. Modern transit could reduce the need for cars. Sidewalks could be wider in places, with restful mini-parks throughout and more appropriate for a denser population. Spending money now really makes good sense, for which we will be thanked by those who follow.

For JBNA, now, the time is ripe to bolster its Planning Committee with a new mandate and a talented Public Relations Committee attached. Our future depends on it.

Redner Jones

Every Friday evening the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club welcomes visitors to a free session of bowling. Anyone can come on their own or with friends. Wear a pair of low tread shoes and come to the bowling greens near the tennis courts in Beacon Hill Park. The action starts at 6:00 p.m. and wraps up at 8:00.

When you arrive a member will provide you, your friends and the other visitors with bowls and give you a "rink" assignment. A coach will review the basics of scoring, game strategy and techniques for throwing the bowls to take advantage of the curling path they take. "Many people think that the bowls are weighted and that's why they take the curving path," said Vera Creelman, Past President of the club. "In fact, the bowls are ovoid and that causes the curling action," she explained.

The Victoria Lawn Bowling Club is an historic part of Beacon Hill Park. The club celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. It now has 110 members. A full season membership costs $155 per year, but you are welcome to come to the free Friday sessions three times before a membership is required. The bowling season lasts from late April until Thanksgiving and in the winter members have two active bridge groups and several other activities. It is also possible to join just as a social member.

After the Friday evening matches, everyone gathers in the club house for ice cream and tea or a drink. It's a lovely way to spend a summer evening in the park and so generous of the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club to provide this opportunity to the neighbourhood. You and your family and friends could have a great time.

Preparing to transfer a family member with dementia to residential care can be an emotional journey for Victoria families.

The non-profit Alzheimer Society of B.C. aims to make the process a bit easier, with a free seminar on Thursday, June 3.

Preparation for Transfer to Residential Care will provide information and strategies to help with the transition.

"Informed and well-prepared consumers can assess and ultimately improve the quality of care being offered to people with dementia," says Christin Hillary, the Society's Greater Victoria support and education coordinator.

The seminar runs June 3 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at James Bay Community Project's meeting room at 547 Michigan St.

For information and to register call (250) 382-2052 or email chillary@alzheimerbc.org

The workshop has been partially funded by Pfizer Canada Inc., RBC Foundation, Provincial Employees Community Services Fund, Manulife Financial, Novartis Pharma Canada Inc., Janssen Ortho Inc., B.C. Hydro Employees' Community Services, F.K. Morrow Foundation, the Province of B.C. and The Victoria Foundation.

The last issue of the Beacon, dated December 2009 - January 2010, contained an article titled Between the Smelter and the Pulp Mill.  There was an error in the report.  On page 6 of the Beacon, there was a table which included the maximum values identified in the initial analysis of the 2009 Mobile Air Monitoring Laboratory (MAML) air quality study.  The table, and the paragraph directly following the table, should have indicated that the 24-hour WHO standard was exceeded 14 out of 89 days, or 15.7 % of the days for which data was collected (i.e. not 18% of the days).  This error was not created by the Beacon or its staff.  The misstatement, a result of conflicting information provided in the interim report, was in the information provided to the Beacon.

VIHA expects the final MAML final report to be completed by the end of February.  At that time, it will be sent to Dr. Tom Kosatsky, Associate Director of Environmental Health Services, of the BC Centre for Disease Control.  A health assessment report is anticipated by the end of March, 2010.

Marg Gardiner

JBNA

By V. Adams

Background - The James Bay Parks & Green Spaces Case

The residents of James Bay should take time this year to reflect on their vision of James Bay 2010 and Beyond, what things really matter, how they value these things (whether it is parks and green spaces or other things near and dear to them), and what areas they are willing to accommodate change. Having assessed what people value, the next step would be to determine what priorities and actions may be necessary to improve the areas identified as needing attention, and then finding ways to integrate these changes into the overall plan of the community in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, education, housing, employment, and public services.

 Last fall, the James Bay Neighborhood Association prepared a 12-page unsolicited position paper entitled, "James Bay Parks & Green Space 2009 Inventory & Assessment". The document was submitted directly to City Council members for their review their consideration and decision, rather than the normal protocol of submitting first to city staff for review.

 One can only speculate as to why it was written at this time. Perhaps 1) the JBNA wished to influence decision-makers who were engaged in updating the Master Parks Plan for the City, 2) the JBNA wished to put forward the demands of residents regarding parks and green spaces prior to any city-initiated review and update of the 1993 James Bay Neighborhood Plan, or 3) the JBNA wished to prepare not only reports on Parks and the Victoria Harbour Airport, but also a "Quality of Life Survey", and various environmental health studies to bolster its demands to all levels of government for significant land use changes as well as the adoption of legal and regulatory frameworks to mitigate perceived negative impacts from certain Inner Harbour economic activities on James Bay residents..

While the JBNA Parks Committee is to be commended for providing residents with current information about community parks and green space "to stimulate discussion about the city's park systems and James Bay parks in particular", it is difficult to make comments and suggestions on a report that has not been made public and that has already been submitted to City Council prior to any discussion with JBNA members or with James Bay residents.

 Perhaps if the JBNA Parks Committee had entered into dialogue with diverse community stakeholders such as apartment dwellers, cultural, recreational and sports user groups, First Nations representatives and even visitors to the neighborhood, it might have gathered additional relevant information, understood different community perspectives, and perhaps considered alternative ways and means to enhance parks and green spaces in the neighborhood.

 It is unfortunate that the report does not acknowledge for example:

1) Community residents who recently rallied to retain public access to and redevelopment of Fisherman's Wharf Park (rather than designating it as an exclusive off-leash dog-walking area) or apartment dwellers and others who have created and maintained community allotment gardens on Montreal and Michigan Streets;

2) Community groups such as LifeCycles, GroundWorks, James Bay Community School, and James Bay New Horizons as well as business owners and private donors who have undertaken community mapping and environmental sustainability projects not to mention neighborhood beautification initiatives for more than three decades);

3) Organizations such as the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the Ogden Point Enhancement Society who have been instrumental in redeveloping green spaces and interpretive areas highlighting the history of the Inner Harbour as well as prominently featuring Aboriginal art work on the inner walls of the breakwater; and,

4) Coast Salish people who have resided in the harbour lands for centuries and are working tirelessly to honor their cultural and historical traditions especially their ancestors, some of whom lie buried beneath the landscape of James Bay.

If consideration had been given to a broader community of interests in James Bay, perhaps the authors of the report might have drawn different conclusions and made different recommendations for parks and green spaces in the new neighborhood plan.

Salient Points Raised in the Report on Parks & Public Art:

Without looking at the James Bay neighborhood in the context of a city-wide parks and green spaces as well as the historical development of the place, readers of this report are left with the conclusion that since the parks and green spaces are unequally distributed throughout the community that a solution must be found to address this inequity. 

Having framed the key problem as inadequate green space and lack of accessibility to parks by all residents, the Report then offers a solution: acquisition of more land (funded by taxpayers) for parks and green spaces to meet the unserved needs of newcomers situated on the western periphery of the neighborhood.

 The report acknowledges that "James Bay is a long-established residential area with high property values and more park land than some other neighborhoods; acquiring land to develop a new park or expand an existing park in our community will be difficult." It then recommends the city acquire potential surplus federal government property such as the Coast Guard base on Dallas Road and Transport Canada land at Laurel Point (provided the contaminated soil is removed). It also suggests additional parkland be developed by creating an elevated playing field and green space over the parking lot at the cruise ship terminal to mitigate "nuisances at Ogden Point". And lastly, it recommends a land exchange involving the GVHA and the City to provide accessibility to more parkland for high-value property owners living in the western part of the neighborhood.

 To determine why and how these parks solutions were developed and in whose interests they serve, one might pose several questions. Would new land use acquisitions offer a way for civic officials to mitigate complaints by high-value shoreline property owners who are upset with nuisances they suggest originate from a working harbour? Is the recommendation for the purchase of additional green space likely to increase the value of existing high-end properties adjacent to the proposed new parklands (by effectively eliminating any potential competing land uses)? Or, is it possible that this land use option might actually increase potential tax revenues for the city?

While the report does not directly address the issue of "cooperative land use", it does question the City's right to lease public land to school boards and to impose limits on public access to those properties during weekdays and weekends. The JBNA however does not appear to have sought any consultation with either the school board or with local parent advisory committees to address this matter. Furthermore, it would seem that the JBNA has been unable to consult with residents in the vicinity of James Bay's two school parks to see what if any park amenities they need or want.

Although the JBNA suggests that the City should designate MacDonald Park as a city-wide, special purpose park (primarily because it is used by sports groups including those outside the neighborhood), it goes one step further -- to recommend changes in financing of city parks and green spaces that are likely to place a greater financial burden on cultural, recreational, and sports user groups.

The JBNA report recommends that, "adults [sports field users] should pay their full share of actual city costs to maintain the MacDonald Park fields and other fields they use in the city." Rather than paying six per cent of the park operating costs as they do now, the JBNA suggests that sports groups assume all costs associated with maintaining and operating parks they use.  In the absence of consultation with local sports and recreational groups about this matter, is it possible that the JBNA's proposed 'user pay for parks solution' could open the door to privatization of public parks?

The JBNA Parks Report, while advocating for more park amenities for those with special needs, did not seek input from residents -- particularly seniors who comprise a significant proportion of the James Bay population and whose activity center is adjacent to the JBNA's proposed revitalization of Irving Park, "the vibrant heart of the community".

It is unfortunate that the JBNA Parks Committee did not engage residents in what parks and green spaces mean to them as gathering places or as places of solitude, as natural assets in which habitats can be preserved, or as places for outdoor recreation, culture and sports. Perhaps if they had done so, they might have learned what residents wanted whether it was outdoor fitness amenities, community/heritage gardens, interpretive areas, alternative green spaces in the form of rooftop gardens, hanging baskets, potted trees and shrubs along thoroughfares or perhaps other suggestions.

The report while focusing on parks and green spaces in James Bay also took the liberty of advancing the JBNA's position on and contribution to the City's new "public art policy".  However, in the absence of views on public art sought from either JBNA members or from the general public, it is difficult to determine whose views and recommendations are presented and whether they accurately reflect the sentiments of the community at large.

While stating that "it is vital that James Bay residents be part of that public art selection process", it is not clear why the JBNA wished to raise the matter of public art in a report on parks and green spaces. One might speculate that perhaps the JBNA wishes to position itself as not only the official voice of James Bay residents but also the most "appropriate group... to evaluate the suitability of art, monuments, structures and other installations proposed for city parks or so placed as to impact a public park".

 What the report did not indicate was whether the above recommendation was based on any need expressed by James Bay residents for a local body to evaluate, approve, or manage their creative cultural endeavors? Or rather, was this position being advanced to reflect the special needs of newcomers who are seeking ways to influence the future of the community perhaps at the expense of long-standing community-minded interests?

While the report states that "in the past, the City of Victoria has too often omitted or severely limited public consultation on important issues in James Bay", it is difficult to see how elected officials will evaluate the value of the JBNA report in the absence of consultation with JBNA members, residents, and members of the creative and recreational community needed to prepare an assessment of and recommendations for the development of parks and green spaces including public art.

The real question is should a city council expect a local organization with a mandate for neighborhood planning to demonstrate compliance with a governance structure that ensures transparency and accountability not to mention a consistent record of community consultation?

Food For Thought:

Citizens will be engaged this year in two significant planning initiatives that may have a profound impact on the future social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the capital city and its environs. The City of Victoria will engage citizens in revising its Official Community Plan, while the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority will engage citizens in preparing its first 20-year Land Use Master Plan.

Perhaps the James Bay Neighborhood Association will take time this year to reflect on 1) the need for discussion on matters of public interest, 2) the value of exploring issues in an open and candid manner while seeking common ground to resolve potential conflicting interests, and 3) the need to keep in mind the possible consequences of their recommendations for change and their impacts on both present and future generations.

The importance of public dialogue and debate cannot be underestimated. It lies at the foundation of any sustainable, healthy and vital community. And, it is a sign of our maturity and willingness to learn lessons from the past, a means of coming to terms with the present, and an effective way not only to find our bearings in uncertain times but also to navigate safely in uncharted waters to new destinations.

By V. Adams 

The fact that Prime Minister Stephen Harper has prorogued Parliament twice in the past calendar year, either to escape public scrutiny or to take a long-winter's nap in search of inspiration, begs the question, "What is the role of government, if Parliament can be suspended at the whim of the party leader in power?" 

If Parliament can be dismissed for three months, why not longer, particularly if politicians from all parties can collect their paychecks without having to pass go, can put their hobnobbing expenses incurred at Olympic Winter Games on the public tab, and can not be held accountable to those who elected them? 

If the national government can be suspended on a flimsy excuse, are provincial and local governments likely to follow suit whenever they run into an obstacle, can't cover up a debacle, or simply get tired of dialogue and debate to address and resolve matters of public interest? 

If employees decided not to show up to work for three months, citing a need to recalibrate their personal agenda, prepare a new family budget and devise an effective economic action plan for the coming year while at the same time announcing that they'll be attending high-profile sporting events charged to their employer's expense account, they would be shown the door faster than you can shake a hockey stick. It is safe to say that the entire economy would likely grind to a halt if citizens followed the example set by our federal politicians.  

Canadian citizens who value democracy are outraged at the arrogance and indifference of politicians from all parties who so easily have walked away from their commitment to serve the public whom they represent. When citizens exercise their vote in a democracy and elect their representatives, the least they can expect from those who are paid from the public purse is to show up to work like everyone else, unless they are infirm or incapable of doing their jobs.  

Frankly, if those who have been elected by the people of Canada think that "peace, order and good government" are no longer necessary, then perhaps they should all resign and let ordinary Canadians who care about these matters take up the task.

The Victoria Genealogical Society presents Adrian Raeside! Editorial cartoonist for the Victoria Times Colonist for 30 years, his cartoons appear in over 250 newspapers and magazines worldwide.

Mr. Raeside will be sharing some of his experiences in researching his latest book, RETURN TO ANTARCTICA, an account of his grandfather's role in the 1910 Scott Expedition to the South Pole. 

Thursday, January 14, 7:30 pm Gordon Head United Church 4201 Tyndall Avenue Admission is free for members, guests by donation.   www.VictoriaGS.org for more information, 250-360-2808

December 1, 2009

Tim VanAlstine, President

James Bay Neighborhood Association

c/o 234 Menzies Street

Victoria, B.C. V8V 2G7

Re:       JBNA Governance - Transparency, Accountability & Democratic Process

As a resident of James Bay for the past 10 years, as a former member of the City of Victoria's Downtown Advisory Committee, and as a voting member of the James Bay Neighborhood Association (JBNA), a registered non-profit society, I am concerned about the apparent lack of:

• clarity pertaining to the governance model used by the JBNA,

• commitment to existing governance principles, and

• respect for both the JBNA public engagement philosophy and the democratic process.

The questions that I raise are designed to shed light on the following matters:

1.       the decision-making process of the JBNA,

2.       the roles and responsibilities of JBNA directors, and

3.       the roles and responsibilities as well as reporting relationships of the JBNA standing committees.

Does the leadership of the JBNA, similar to the City of Victoria Council, have a governance framework in place to address matters of interest and concern to the citizens whom it represents? If so, is the JBNA governance framework like that of the City designed:

• to ensure that the desires and views of the public are respected and utilized in a meaningful manner?

• to ensure that the roles and responsibilities of all parties are clear and that conflicts of interests are acknowledged by all parties in the decision-making process?

• to ensure that the decisions being made are based on good information and relevant options?

A.  Questions for Consideration

Furthermore, who has the right to make decisions in the JBNA? Are the directors (and indirectly their standing committees) responsible to the members who elect them? If not, then to whom can they be held accountable for their actions? Who can contribute to the JBNA decision-making process? What process is used to consider matters and arrive at decisions having an impact on the life of citizens whom the JBNA serves? Do those who govern the JBNA represent special interests/needs and therefore function as a special interest lobby group or does the JBNA represent and advocate for the broader interests of the community?  

B.  Background Information (Goals of the James Bay Neighborhood Association)

According to the JBNA Constitution, the purpose of the society among other things is:

• "To enable the community to be actively involved in the preservation, rehabilitation and planned development of James Bay... .

• To promote community awareness of and involvement in environmental issues and their impact on the community, and facilitate community input to the continuous review and updating of the James Bay Plan.

• To insure that all development proposals reflect the James Bay Community Plan and accurately reflect the values, issues and concerns of James Bay residents.

• To be sensitive to community concerns, to educate and assist individuals and community groups with respect to environmental and ecological developments.

• To provide an open forum for discussion with a view to promoting input into the decision-making processes that concern James Bay.

• To support community groups and individuals in their efforts to meet these objectives."

 C.  Additional Questions for Consideration

 According to the JBNA constitution, all residents of James Bay are eligible to become association members, however only those who attend a minimum of three consecutive meetings in one year can run for office, participate in committees established by the board, or have the right to vote.

1.     While JBNA monthly meetings and Executive Committee meetings are both open to the public according to the constitution, are the Executive free to make their own decisions and recommendations without considering information presented to them, including views expressed by JBNA members or by members of the general public? In other words, are these solely executive decisions or are they in any way affected by the interests and desires of those in attendance?

2.     Are the rights of JBNA members limited solely to exercising their right to vote for directors at an Annual General Meeting, and to vote on procedural matters such as approval of agendas, minutes of meetings, and meeting adjournments?

3.   Do JBNA members have the power and authority to oblige directors to present all substantive matters and recommendations to the general membership for consent, prior to issuing any "white papers", reports, and recommendations on behalf of the association to outside institutional authorities, interested third parties, and the media? Do members have the right to know the content of important JBNA communications initiated by directors before or only after the information has been communicated on behalf of the membership? Do JBNA members have the right to know the recipients of communications made on their behalf?

4.   Are all JBNA members permitted access to association documents such as financial statements, membership records, correspondence, reports, research undertaken by JBNA committee members or contracted third parties, as well as minutes of all monthly meetings, executive committee meetings and standing committees of the board to ascertain what matters of substance are being addressed, and what decisions are being taken on behalf of all members and the community at large?

5.   Are all JBNA members and the public informed of JBNA meetings (i.e. monthly meetings, executive committee meetings, and standing committees of the board) as stipulated in the JBNA constitution?

6.   Do the JBNA Executive and their standing committees consider it appropriate or necessary to consult with, or invite participation from, interested individuals, community organizations, or other potential stakeholders in matters of public interest, particularly when the directors and standing committees are advancing community views or putting forth recommendations to public and private entities that will have a direct impact on all community members such as public parks and green spaces, public art, quality of life issues, environment and health matters, and transportation and socio-economic issues (e.g. affordable housing, conversions of rental units to condo properties, growing income constraints and declining access to social supports, or the impacts of the hospitality and tourism industry on the neighborhood)?

D.      Conclusions For Consideration 

Below are three possible conclusions for your consideration:

• Assessing whether the current governance model used, the quality of leadership provided, and the existing decision-making process, is in tune with the diverse needs and democratic values of James Bay citizens.

• Ensuring that those who exercise governanceon our behalf demonstrate both in words and in deedstheir commitment to abroad-minded civic engagementprocessasavital way to develop and to sustain a healthy and vibrant democratic society, whether it is in our own backyard orelsewhere.

• Recognizing that all citizens have a responsibility not only to take into account the critical needs of present generations butalso to keep in mind the potential impact of those decisions on the lives of future generations.

The James Bay Neighborhood Association has served this community for more than three decades. It is known for having contributed to, and being engaged, in land use planning and development, playing a role in community building and enhancement, as well as strengthening the foundations of a civil society. Organizations such as the James Bay Neighborhood Association represent a vital force in addressing matters of concern to the public whom it should serve.

Sincerely,

Victoria Adams

James Bay resident and

James Bay Neighborhood Association Member 

cc:

Kim Dixon, Executive Director, James Bay New Horizons Society

Graham Taylor, Executive Director, James Bay Community Project

Alex Dominiak, Program Coordinator, James Bay Community School 

Alison Meyer, Assistant Director, Development Services, City of Victoria

Mark Hornell, Manager, Planning & Development Department, City of Victoria

Cameron Scott, Senior Planner, Community Planning, City of Victoria

Paul Servos, CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

It is said that it takes an entire village to raise a child. So, what would that village look like without those willing to share not only their wit and wisdom, but also their valuable stories and lessons learned about the seasons of life?  

James Bay New Horizons offers the opportunity for all generations to mix and mingle. The center which has just celebrated it's 35^th anniversary this year, welcomes not only senior members of the community who wish to participate in a wide variety of health, fitness, recreation programs and activities, not to mention cultural and social events, but JBNH also extends a helping hand to other members of the James Bay community wishing to organize their own events, meetings, or special occasions at our facility.  

For a modest fee of $35 a year, members are entitled to a variety of complimentary services including: wireless Internet access, mail collection/telephone and message service, daily newspaper, library and meeting place, as well as discounted fax and photocopying as well as hot beverage services. In addition we offer a number of specialty services such as free seniors reassurance calls and blood-pressure clinics, as well as access to a modestly-priced meal program and snacks and entertainment at special events. Those looking for a helping hand to navigate the complex health care as well as other support systems, as well as those interested in community networking, finding volunteer or income-earning opportunities will certainly find an open door here. 

While 2010 is sure to promise lots of excitement for winter sports enthusiasts, especially the Olympic Winter Games - be sure to sign up for our big-screen shows to enjoy the ceremonies as well as special the competitions. And, stay tuned for our upcoming Community Conversations project - a great way for all those who live, work, play or stay in the community to contribute their ideas, stories and creative expressions about the "Past, Present & Future of James Bay", Victoria's oldest neighborhood. 

Give us a call at 250.386.3035. Visit us in person at 234 Menzies Street. Or drop us an email -executivejb.nh@shawbiz.ca -- Kim Dixon, our Executive Director, other diligent staff members, or one of our valuable volunteers will be pleased to meet and assist you!

By John Wilkes

2010 will undoubtedly be a celebratory occasion for many, particularly in light of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Whistler and Vancouver. For others seeking a more low-key affair, next year will offer an important opportunity for citizens to engage in dialogue with both the City of Victoria and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority about land use which will have a significant impact on how development will take place in the future within their designated boundaries. 

The City of Victoria will be asking citizens to participate in developing and reviewing its Official Community Plan as well as the James Bay Neighborhood Plan (last updated in 1993). And, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, (which has recently hired CH2M Hill, a Colorado-based engineering firm) will be engaging the public in an initiative to create a 20-year master plan for both the Port of Victoria and Ogden Point's upland area. 

Given the limited availability of land, and the increasingly diverse number of stakeholders with often competing demands for the use of this land, how to engage and balance the interests of ordinary citizens with those of special interest groups (be they business interest groups and coalitions, property developers, community groups, charitable associations, condo strata councils, resident associations as well as health, recreational and social service organizations and agencies, as well as regulatory bodies) in a democratic, transparent, inclusive, and fair process will be an enormous challenge. 

The stakes are high and the manner in which all participants become engaged in the process will influence how successful the City and the Harbour Authority will be in accommodating these competing interests, and what influence our voices will have on the future social and economic development of the city but also it's oldest and largest neighborhood, James Bay.  

It is up to all citizens to make this a worthwhile effort, to bring forth not only the opportunities but also the concerns citizens may have regarding change, and to discuss alternatives or how to mitigate any potential impact that change may have on them.  

Dialogue and debate are healthy in a democratic society, in order to provide a forum to examine our environment or context, express different points of view, and to discover areas of common ground and matters of public interest. It is up to citizens to create a welcoming and safe place to identify opportunities as well as constraints and concerns, to explore different directions and options rather than to narrow discussion, limit debate, or exclude participation, because we fear certain individuals and their interests, or fear our inability to adapt to the potential consequences of change.  

Uncertainty is part of living; it is our attitude towards it that makes all the difference as to how we define our days here on planet earth. We can embrace it as part of the ebb and flow of life and respond to it by learning how to be flexible and how to adapt to it, or, we can devote all our energy and resources to resisting and fighting the tides of change, giving us the illusion that we can control everything as long as we can measure it and bend it our way, without regard for the initial conditions or the unintended consequences of our best laid and man-made rules, regulations, or plans on others.