This time next year we will be welcoming back old faces to our municipal government tables or greeting some fresh, new faces.
The next municipal election is a year away, and much like the last election two years ago, big changes could be in store up and down the Coast.
We as a community are faced with a growing list of issues - development of the economy, better ferry service and other transportation issues, adequate and affordable housing, recreation facilities and how to utilize them more efficiently - and the big elephant in the room: how to pay for it all.
Being a politician and stepping up to represent your community is no easy task. It's often thankless, and I'll be the first to admit that I do not envy the men and women who currently sit at our respective council and board tables. I also recognize that we have a lot of talented people in this community with great ideas, great energy, whom I hope will step up next year. It's easy to sit on the sidelines, attend meetings and voice your concerns, write letters to the editor and vent your frustrations on our website and our online commenting and social networking. But if you really want to see change in this community, you have to get involved. What better way to get involved and have an impact than municipal politics?
Municipal politics is where the heart of the community comes from. This is where the changes that affect our everyday lives are made.
And we need more young people involved in the political process.
I know, I know, to the average youth, politics or any political talk is boring - and really, why should they care? Well, they should care because their future depends on the decisions that are made today.
I love the new student trustee position that has been created at School District No. 46. Having a young person at the board table, being able to interact, ask questions and participate in the process is a wonderful thing. Add to that the leadership committee with representatives from all the Coast high schools, and you have a chance for student voices to be heard and those voices to have a direct impact.
I hope the experiences these young people have will lead to further political aspirations. I applaud the school district for taking this initiative. Maybe this is something the other municipal governments can look at. It doesn't necessarily mean adding a student to the council table, but maybe asking for more input from youth or creating a youth liaison position.
The youth of today will be the ones in charge of our community when many of us are gone. Why not start them on the path now?
