CitizenSpeak is a group of ordinary Nelson Citizens who feel that our local democracy can and should work better than it is today.
CitizenSpeak thinks that the ultimate power and responsibility of government should remain with us, the citizens, rather than be shifted upon the shoulders of the Mayor and Council.
To achieve this, CitizenSpeak promotes the development of a Nelson Constitution, which would give the citizens the right to halt any proposed bylaw they do not agree with, and to initiate bylaws they feel are beneficial for our City.
Examples of participatory democracies which work very well can be found around the world; some a lot closer to home than you may realize.
Our present representative democracy system has lead to feelings of mistrust and anger towards politicians, and cynicism about government. It is time to develop democracy to a higher level, to instill real accountability and trust in decision making, to hand the reigns of power where they belong: with us, the citizens.
