Editor:
I read with great interest former councillor Doug Hockley’s opinion piece last week (“Save Our Sechelt is more than just a slogan”).
In the seven years since moving to the Sunshine Coast, it has been my privilege to serve the people of this area as an election official (municipally, provincially and federally). In these, all who are employed as election officials accept the responsibility to deliver a non-partisan environment in which the people vote without undue influence. My motivation to serve in this manner comes from a family background where, in most elections, there were both Conservative/Liberal and NDP signs on our front lawn – one each for my father and mother. And, all of us children were taught to see and be able to respectfully debate both sides of an issue.
Does this mean that I do not have political opinions? No, I certainly do. But I too, like Mr. Hockley, rue the fact that we have had such a seesaw political environment municipally. It does not and has not served the community well.
In such an environment, I agree with Mr. Hockley that the best type of council is one populated with people with a balanced approach to issues (“what’s best for the long-term health of the community”) – those who are not passionate about one side to the exclusion of the other and are capable of well considered decisions. This is even truer of the position of mayor who, in my opinion, should be a leader that fosters respectful discussion on both sides of an issue and only votes themselves when absolutely necessary.
As we move to our next municipal election on Oct. 20, 2018, may I implore the community to question candidates on their ability to be even-handed and respectful when considering issues, when responding to opinions and especially when making decisions.
Bill Norris, West Sechelt
