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Thoughts from the post-election hangover

The View From Here/Martha Wickett
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For some the party is over, for some it’s just getting underway, and for others it’s simply being extended.

Whatever the status, many people have been suffering from a bit of an election hangover this past week.

Sept. 14 to Oct. 20 is a short time to sell the idea of ‘you’ to the community, if you happen to be a candidate. It’s equally hectic for supporters and families. Though many candidates start long before the writ drops, particularly the people experienced in the political realm and those who are incumbents, there is still some urgency. There’s a lot to do, a lot of people to reach, a lot of talking and a lot of listening.

Congratulations are owed to each person who ran and, particularly, to those for whom this was their first whack at the political piñata. It takes incredible courage, I think, to decide to throw yourself into the fray, baring your beliefs publicly and bracing yourself for whatever may come your way.

Appreciations are also due to those people who have served and will continue to serve the community, as well as to those who no longer will be, at least not in this arena.

In my mind, as someone who has attended more council meetings than I care to remember, Coun. Ken Jamieson has been a steadfast voice of reason on council, displaying thoughtful caring for people and the environment that sustains us.

Related: Jamieson will not seek another term as Salmon Arm councillor

To me, outgoing Mayor Nancy Cooper’s forte´ has been voicing appreciation for the public, turning out for events large and small, day or night, as well as recognizing the importance of First Nations people in the community. Thank you.

I have some hopes for the new, mostly old, council. (‘mostly old’ in that five are incumbents and one served on council previously.) Firstly congratulations to them; clearly they have earned the confidence of the majority of voters and have worked hard in many areas.

One of my hopes is that they will put the health of our planet first and foremost in every decision they reach for the community. What could be more important?

As a fairly cohesive group, it’s also my hope that mayor and council will continue to purposefully reach out and increase the number of ‘others’ represented – more people who aren’t like them, who have less money, less education, who aren’t the same colour, age, sex or background, to make sure the needs of the whole community are met.

I hope communications will be more welcoming to all, with less jargon, more simple speech.

I hope mayor and council will continue to listen to the community but without giving extra acknowledgment to unseen, behind-the-scene forces.

Our municipal representatives work hard at what can be a truly difficult job; my hopes are not criticisms but ways, I think, to improve representation.


@SalmonArm
marthawickett@saobserver.net

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Martha Wickett

About the Author: Martha Wickett

came to Salmon Arm in May of 2004 to work at the Observer. I was looking for a change from the hustle and bustle of the Lower Mainland, where I had spent more than a decade working in community newspapers.
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