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Bring back the civility

EDITORIAL

Can civic politics be civil?

We know it can be a tough question to ask, but we think the Sunshine Coast is up to the challenge.

This community is faced with a plethora of choices — choices when we head to the polls on Nov. 15 — and choices on who we want to lead us at the four respective government tables for the next four years.

We have a diverse group of candidates — young, old — returning veterans, experienced leaders, some new to the political spotlight. But what they all have in common, we hope, is a love for this community and a desire to do their best to make it even better. Why else then would they have the courage and conviction to stand up and be counted? To put their names, their faces and their reputation out there to be scrutinized? We applaud all of the candidates for taking this leap of faith, but we have a message for all of the candidates, their campaign teams and their supporters — can we keep it civil?

We all know there are many issues in this election and strong feelings towards some returning candidates for the jobs that they have or haven’t done in the eyes of some the past three years. In the lead-up to the election campaign, social media has been used at its worst to spread accusations and assumptions about would-be candidates. There is a bumper sticker campaign going around Sechelt with not too kind words about one particular candidate  — a vulgar attack that is so not needed.

At the Voice on the Coast political pub night last Saturday night, both Sechelt and Gibsons incumbent mayors were offered an off-the-cuff boo when they introduced themselves to the audience. This was totally out of line and uncalled for.

The all-candidates forums start in earnest on Monday. We hope that audience members treat every candidate with respect. Listen to all the views presented and then make your own decision on whom you will be voting for on Nov. 15. You may not like what you hear and that’s fine, that’s why we have choices. And to the candidates themselves, please handle yourself with respect both at the forums, with your campaign signs and slogans. This campaign does not have to be a mudslinging contest. This election should be about the issues and who is best suited to lead and contribute the next four years. Let’s be civil, let’s get active, let’s stay informed and engaged, but do it with respect — respect for those who have stepped forward and respect for the process at hand.

We teach our children that bullying and intimidation is wrong, so why do we condone the behaviour as adults?