The all-candidates meetings are over; the hopefuls have worked to get their message out through conventional and social media, door knocking or holding meetings in the community. They’ve put time and energy into running what they hope is an effective campaign. With municipal election day this Saturday, Oct. 20, I think I reflect the views of most when I express appreciation to everyone who stepped up to run for public office. No matter whether they win or lose, the community gains and democracy wins. It is truly a wonderful thing to have a choice of candidates to vote for.
For you brave souls who seek to serve, whether an incumbent, a first timer or one who has thrown their hat in the ring before, we are grateful to you for running! There must be a special place in heaven for people who stand for public office. And if you’re the lucky (or perhaps unlucky?) person who wins, it can sometimes be a thankless job and your composure under fire is sure to be tested!
But what about the responsibilities for the rest of us once the newly elected are in place? We take them at their word, that they’re there, not only to represent one group or set of interests, but for the good of the community. But we cannot stop there – we must hold our elected representatives to account, just as we expect them to oversee and hold to account the people who are employed in those important jobs that our taxes sustain. We need to support them and also show keen interest in the decisions made on our behalf and attend board meetings when we can. We all have a role in contributing to the betterment of the community, whether it be attending meetings, asking questions, contributing our ideas or serving on important committees.
And those who cannot be bothered to get out to vote have no right to complain about the decisions made! So on Saturday, vote in these important municipal/school board elections. The next four years will be critical in the life of our community.
Voting won’t take the whole day, so you’ll be able to enjoy some of the many Art Crawl venues this weekend. There are 17 venues in Elphinstone alone, so why not check out the fabulous art your neighbours are up to? Darcy Gertz, who is carving the new Cedar Grove Book Gnome, is opening up his amazing work to the public at his great location, on Pratt Road below the highway. See www.sunshinecoastartcrawl.ca for all the great artists and venues.
Contact me with any Elphinstone news or views at [email protected]
Gayle Neilson
