The sunny Shuswap weather has arrived and so my thoughts have turned to municipal elections.
Why, you might ask, when the elections are not until November. Well, it is in part because my office has no windows, so it might as well be November outside as far as my work days are concerned. I’m that pasty-faced person you see walking out into the blazing sun at the end of the workday blinking like a mole who has just tunnelled to the surface.
But also because someone recently asked me if I planned to run for a seat in city government.
After making a rather rude choking sound in the back of my throat, I explained that while I was honoured they would think I had something to contribute, no, I had no intention of putting my hat in the ring. That is not to say I do not have respect for those who do. In fact, I believe it is critical for our community to have citizens who are engaged and committed enough to weigh civic issues and make tough decisions on our behalf.
My main reason for declining to run is that my children like to eat. You see, there is an obvious conflict in interest between writing about local issues for the city’s newspaper and being one of the people making news on those issues. So if I were to do it, I’d have to quit my job and, frankly, while being a small-town newspaper editor isn’t exactly lucrative, it’s still more economically viable than being a city councillor.
“But if not you, then who?” I was asked. So I decided to share my thoughts, possibly to put a bug in the ear of some other people who might be inclined to dedicate themselves to the often thankless job. This list should not discount those currently on council, who may have their own plans for re-election or to vacate their chair. I should mention that none of the people on this list have any idea I’m putting their names down, so they may be shocked, surprised and possibly dismayed to see their names in print. I hope they take it as the compliment it was intended to be.
So here are a few of my suggestions for people who I personally think would bring interesting and dynamic perspectives to our council chambers:
Lynda Wilson
Kari Dukeshire
Winston Pain
Peter Kilby
Heinz Strobl
Someone, anyone, younger than 35
Clyde Tucker
Cindy Derkaz
Cookie Langenfeld
Bill Laird
Bonnie Thomas
Tim Lavery
Louise Wallace
Now, I’m just going to sit back, savour the Shuswap summer when I can and let the politics begin.