The municipal website has posted the nomination forms for the November 10, 2003 elections and with them the text of the question that will be tagged to the ballot form:

“Are you in favour of Changing the Ward System of representation for Municipal Council to an election at large for all members of Council?”

This is the final transition to the amalgamated township; if the resolution passes, the majority population, which is centered in Wiarton, will determine the representation for the surrounding smaller towns of Hepworth, Allenford, Oliphant and Sauble Beach. Now, my math isn't very good, but it just seems to me that by putting this question to that same electoral distribution already presupposes a result that will reflect the voting weights of each region after this resolution is in effect. Do I have this straight? By placing this question on a "one-citizen, one-vote" referendum ballot, doesn't that then mean we are effectively already using the new system to vote on whether or not the new system is even a good idea?

If my theory is correct, then, as a betting man, my money is on the 'yes' vote as the final seal on handing Wiarton jurisdiction over Amabel, Albemarle and the Village of Hepworth.

Now all I need is to find a bookie ...

[ Source: Town of South Bruce Peninsula ]