With just two days to go before nominations close for the civic elections on Sept. 14, we would like to encourage anyone who’s still considering running to take a stab at it.
All kinds of things threaten democracy these days from restricted access to government information, more so at the higher levels of government but to some degree at all levels, to the increasingly litigious society that allows those with money the ability to silence those with little or none.
The simple act of running for office gives a candidate a chance to air their views and to have those views heard and possibly considered by those who hear them.
Just as with voters, a community really can’t have too many candidates. The more the merrier. Well, not always, but at least the more democratic. Everyone deserves a voice. Whether it’s by voting or by running, it’s never a mistake to participate in the making of the decisions that affect you.
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It will provide personal benefits as well. A chance to hone public speaking skills if they need honing. An opportunity to walk the talk, as ‘they’ say.
‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’ to steal another familiar adage. If young people see the adults they know being so committed to making the world a better place that they put themselves out front and centre to do it, that can’t help but be encouraging.
As for those who have already committed to running, thank you. Whether it be the regional district, the city or the school board, being a politician can be both a difficult job and a rewarding one.
If you’re new to running, one word of advice. Familiarize yourself with the board or council you wish to join. Go to a meeting. See how the system works. Strange as it may seem, few people do this.
Best of luck to anyone who takes up the challenge. And thank you for doing your part for democracy.
@SalmonArm
newsroom@saobserver.net
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