Election Day has come and gone.
Now the hard work begins.
Thanks to everyone who cast their vote my way. With all polls reporting, I have been elected one of three new city councillors in Victoria. It will be an honour to serve over the next three years—a daunting task, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
My congratulations to returning and newly elected councillors with whom I will be working. They ran great campaigns and helped generate the energy that brought people out to the polls.
Thanks to all the other great candidates who also ran. They brought to the fore issues and perspectives that need to be heard and discussed.
We had a terrific campaign with lots of support. People came out to place signs around the city and stuff mailboxes with our message. People were extremely generous with their donations, and the campaign finished in the black.
These are the issues that face Victoria –
• Homelessness and affordable housing,
• A transportation system sorely in need of renewal and new approaches
• A way to move forward on our sewage treatment mandate
• Cultural renewal and the revitalization of downtown
They will require the full attention of council and I expect to jump into the fray and lend my energy to the efforts to find solutions and grow an inclusive and sustainable city.
We’ve also got a lot of work to do on citizen engagement. With turnout falling below 27%, our democratic foundations need rebuilding. How to get there is a discussion we’ll have to have with the entire community.
In the days, weeks and months ahead, I expect to use my website to talk more about what we are doing for Victoria around the council table and out in the community. I hope you’ll come back and visit.
Thanks again.
John Luton, City Councillor
City of Victoria
November, 2008
For further information contact John Luton 250 592-4753
Cell:250-886-4166 or E-mail