The amount of candidates looking for a seat at one of the many tables in the mid-Island electoral districts is astounding. This November’s civic election is shaping up to be very interesting, with some good challenges being put forward by political newcomers.
It’s great to feel excited about the political process again, as folks who have been prompted into civic action have added their names to the growing list of candidates.
For the average voter here, it’s become a banquet of choices, with plenty of pots to sample. If you don’t like one, there’s always another one down the list.
By far the biggest potential for change comes with the school district. Incumbent trustees will face a challenger in each of the district’s ridings — most, if not all, sparked to action by the current board’s announcement last year that Kwalikum Secondary School could be closed.
Expect the KSS issue to play prominently in all of the local civic elections. For one thing, it has gotten more people involved in either the politics or the need for change.
And that’s a good thing for local democracy — and, hopefully, local voter turnout rates.
But, as we tell all of the candidates (when asked), running as a one-issue wonder won’t win you any brownie points.
Look for the candidates who have plenty of ideas on a variety of issues and who offer something to vote for.
Not only will voters be better served over an entire term of office, but those elected won’t suddenly lose interest in the job and disappoint us all.
There’s change in the air in all of the mid-Island’s municipal governments, and that can be either scary or a breath of fresh air.
It’s going to be fun to find out which of those options wins the race.