Almost four years ago, when I was a fledgling Sookite, I witnessed my first Sooke election and the fight for council chairs. I listened to the promises and the rhetoric. Looking back at the comments and promises made by the candidates, one has to notice that very little has changed. Some of the candidates in the election blamed the past council for the dead-in-the-water needs of the public, while others said they would make things happen.

We are still waiting for change, some turnaround in thinking that will see the most important items come to the top of the council’s agenda.

In October, 2005, the Downtown Revitilization Committee brought forth its recommendations garnered from the issues identified by residents.

Among the items on the issues list, was an idea to adopt the District of Sooke’s theme, “Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea.” The idea was to meld the components of Sooke’s culture and heritage. Components would include; maritime, logging, First Nations and the natural environment. The idea was to have new development in Sooke comply with this vision in their design or renovation of buildings. And a fine idea it was too. After three years waiting and watching, we have yet to see any of this become a reality in the downtown core.

Other items on the residents’ wish list were safe pedestrian walkways, moving some of the bus stops so buses can pull of the roadway, bicycle routes, traffic and speed limits were mentioned. Seems nothing in Sooke is pedestrian friendly. It is time for council to stop talking and start doing because people are tired of empty promises and other prettier priorities.

Voters have long memories.