A commentary by the ­president of the Saanich South B.C. ­Conservative Riding Association.

The July 14 commentary ­“Raucous Saanich council ­meeting not true gauge of public opinion” begs for response. As a fan of democracy, I’m happy to provide it.

It is apparent that Jack Sandor believes participatory democracy ceases after the votes are counted, and that the job of elected officials is to doggedly ignore public input on ­specific topics and simply engage in a form of temporary dictatorship.

I vehemently disagree.

Politicians are notorious for breaking promises or embarking on costly, foolish or unpopular policies.

Public sentiment and direct voter input provides valuable feedback to office-holders and may in some cases spur a course-correction, a change in policy or an adjustment in........

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