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Serving is a high calling

Letters

Editor:

I agree with Sophie Woodrooffe’s column last week (“Who knows who’s running in the fall?”) that the change in the SCRD elected officials following the next election is concerning. It is entirely possible that all representatives on the SCRD board will be new.

I have a request for everyone up and down the Coast – if you know someone you think would be a good candidate, please talk to them! Encourage them, promise to work for them, do what it takes to give them the confidence to run. Don’t be shy – all of us need to be convinced that we’ll be a good candidate. (I know I needed lots of encouragement.) And all candidates deserve to know they will have strong support from their community.

By definition, the paid staff of any government follow the directions determined by their elected officials. Unfortunately, when such elected people are new, weak or inconsistent, it makes the jobs of the staff very difficult, which often results in little if any progress being made.

Also, for those who say things like “I can’t run for office, it could hurt my business” – I challenge you to think how your business would be impacted by having less than the best possible leaders. And for those who say “Not this time,” when will be the right time?

Serving in public office is a high calling – and worthy of our best and brightest. Let’s all get behind such people – for the good of our community.

If it helps, I am very happy to meet with anyone who is considering running. You can email me at johnsechelt@gmail.com. I’m sure other former elected officials would be happy to help, as well.

John R. Henderson, Sechelt