By Brian Lee
When I was kid I was taught about the important roles provincial and federal politics had in our lives. That was fine. But little time was ever given to educating students on the finer points of municipal governance. I graduated school without even an inkling about how civic politics worked. Now I see what a folly that is.
I don’t think it’s cynical or defeatist to say a typical Canadian is unlikely to carry much sway in the federal or provincial arena. But we can have a direct impact on how our local government operates. Some constituents and organizations understand this and use it to their advantage. They’re the ones who attend the odd board meeting, submit letters, make phone calls and generally lift their voices above the fray.
It’s not a coincidence that they’re also the ones who are often the most successful in swaying decisions in their favour. The problem is that "they" are sometimes a minority who don’t really speak for the rest of us. It’s one reason why the upcoming municipal election is a fresh call to get involved with our local government.
We’re extremely lucky to have two capable candidates vying for the position of Area A director. Though both are well qualified, there will be an inevitable learning process as the winner acquaints himself with the SCRD machine. But even when he does get up to speed, no matter how effective he is, he will rely on folks in the community to offer insight on issues and even tell him when he’s screwing up.
The job of director is but one small voice at a loud table and in order to be effective, that voice needs backing. One shouldn’t underestimate the effect a delegation has on board discussions by just being in the room. And, if someone doesn’t push to get an item on the agenda, it may not get discussed at all. Directors are often forced to make tough decisions on our behalf but those decisions will only be as as informed as those he or she comes into contact with.
So I suggest we look at this election as a chance to regroup and renew efforts. A chance to reassess what the issues are and take a fresh stab at solving them. We sometimes overlook the considerable accomplishments that have taken place in the area during the past 10 years. Much of that work was, and is, accomplished by locals working together, pushing forward — or pushing back. And there are still many worthy projects calling out for help.
Your help.
Attend public meetings, sit in on board meetings or committee meetings (the agendas and minutes are all posted on the SCRD website) and assert some control in matters that concern our community. Pose questions to the director and offer your respectful input (while accepting that it may be ignored).
Whichever candidate wins this election, he’s going to need our help. He shouldn’t be seen as the captain of the ship but the rudder.
And as always, it’s our responsibility to guide it.
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