The City of Weyburn engaged in an exercise in democracy in the last couple of weeks, and are inviting more residents to speak up with their opinions about the speed limits in the city, both city-wide, and in school and playground zones.
The City put out a poll through Facebook, and on their website, and preliminary voting numbers were provided to city council on Monday night.
The numbers as they stand right now show most of the respondents favour moving the city-wide speed limit from 40 km/hr up to 50 km/hr, and in school zones, keeping the 30 km/hr limit but restrict the times that it’s in effect. The suggested times is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but this can probably be tweaked in consultation with the city police and school boards.
The question arose, what about all those residents who are not on Facebook, or even on the Internet?
This is a valid question, as the representative from the Comp pointed out, most high school students are not on Facebook (which was a surprise to some members of council), and she herself never even knew the poll question was out there. She felt compelled to point this out because speed limits in school zones will directly affect them on the streets around the Weyburn Comprehensive School, and students may have an opinion about that issue.
The issue of getting the question out there is also valid for seniors and others who do not go on Facebook or other social media, or even on the Internet. The suggestion was, from the city manager, Roy Hardy, to encourage people to talk to their city councillor, or to phone or come in to City Hall and express their opinion there.
One of the interesting statistics provided is that the question on the speed limit in school zones was seen by nearly 7,300 people, and only about 10 per cent of these responded with a simple click vote. While the majority of respondents indicated support for keeping the school zone with time restrictions (which really only makes sense), about 90 per cent or so did not make a click and express an opinion.
The irony here is, the so-called “silent majority” do not get a say if they don’t vote. The “majority” does not rule, in other words.
For anyone who drives in Weyburn, or lives in Weyburn, or who has kids going to school in Weyburn, these are relevant questions. The poll will remain open for more people to click or say their view, so it would be helpful to the City administration and council if residents would exercise their democratic right and speak up. — Greg Nikkel
