= GREATER LANGLEY February 24, 2009 Mayor & Council Township of Langley 20338 65" Avenue Langley, BC V2Y 331 Dear Mayor Green & Members of Township Counci Re: Reinstatement of the Business Vote ‘On behalf of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, and further to our recent discussion, I ‘express our gratitude for the support of Township Council in efforts to have the business vote reinstated in municipal elections. Following for your consideration is a draft resolution that we respectfully request Council consider presenting for support at the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, and for advancement to the Union of B.C. Municipalities later this spring. RESTORATION OF THE BUSINESS VOTE WHEREAS Business owners are the foundation of community prosperity there is a requirement that the interest ofthis critical element of a vibrant community be reprinted in the democratic process. AND WHEREAS Many business owners live outside their jurisdiction and cannot be part of the election process or vote in a referendum which may impact 38 directly. This gives them no voice in a community in which they are a critical funder of essential services through their contribution to property tax and licences revenue that allow local government to provide critical services. This represents taxation without representation. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC municipalities work the Province of BC to reinstate a Corporate Voting Category so that non- resident business owners can exercise their democratic right to vote and participate in the electoral process in the community. ‘The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce greatly appreciates the cooperation of Council in this effort. Mailing address Pho ax Web addtes e-mail