It's astounding how some politicians still put themselves in uncomfortable positions because they lack the ability to keep their mouths shut.
Perhaps it's wishful thinking that politicians would understand when to shut up, but we digress. Of course we're referring to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson who, it was revealed on Monday, inadvertently dropped a couple of F-bombs and some disrespectful comments regarding a delegation of West End residents following a council meeting, when he and a couple of fellow councillors thought the council chamber microphones had been turned off.
Now, we're not upset by the F-word so much. Heck, we all swear now and again, and we can understand the frustration that Robertson and his councillors were feeling after a long meeting. But that is certainly no excuse to disrespect the public the way he did.
Robertson has since apologized for his insensitive remarks, but the message here is that Robertson and all politicians should remember how they arrived at their position of office in the first place - by the will of the voting public.
While we can't recall any of our Sunshine Coast politicians using that particular word in the middle of meetings or being caught on tape after the fact, there have been occasions where our political leaders have been a little too harsh with the electorate, be it at council, a public hearing or a community open house.
Holding a position in political office is not easy. The workload can be overwhelming, the time demands are astounding, and the pay is lacking, but that is still no excuse for treating people with disrespect. If a citizen appears before council or any political meeting, it's the duty and the responsibility of the mayor, councillor, school board trustee or regional district director to listen and learn. They might not agree with the message being presented, but respect has to be shown.
So, with the next municipal election a mere 16 months away, let Mayor Robertson's gaffe be a lesson to all our Coast politicians - we're always listening, we're always watching. Listen to your residents, and be respectful, or the ones who have voted you into office might just be the ones to vote you out.
