This is my opinion. I write opinion pieces for The Bugle, and this piece does not necessarily represent the views of The Bugle.

I believe the Greens in our region have been unfairly treated in the election commentary by some of the candidates and the social media keyboard warriors. In this op-ed, I want to highlight why I believe they play in important role in our community. While they weren’t my first choice on the voting ticket, they ranked highly because of their commitment to preserving our unique identity. Our region values responsible development, and it’s the Greens who will ensure long-lasting, well-thought-out approaches that stand the test of time, and this ethos should at forefront of every councillor’s decisions.

The Greens' push for legally binding Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) ensures developers follow through on their promises, safeguarding our environment and aligning projects with our community's long-term goals. Yes, their focus is on the environment, but this is precisely why they are so important.

In a time when growth is necessary, the Greens are crucial in balancing development with the need to preserve what makes our region special. They offer a dedicated voice for responsible growth and transparency—something we should all support as we look to the future.