Direct Democracy is a system of government which has flourished in Switzerland for l30 years, in Rossland for 7 years, has worked in Pitt Meadows for the past few months, and is now under active consideration in the District of North Vancouver. Direct Democracy involves the people in the decision-making process by a system of popular initiatives leading to binding referenda. It is widely accepted that referendums are popular with the people. The voters know they are listened to. They have no reason to change their councillors.
Critics are less vocal.
If they do not like photo radar, or casinos, or whatever, they initiate a referendum. If they win, you do not lose. If your party is defeated in the next election, which is unlikely if you are the ones who give power to the people, the new council will not be able to dismantle the system you have introduced. The people will use the popular veto to stop that. Some referendums can be held at the same time as elections at very little incremental cost.