It’s time. Time to vote and select those people who you want to represent you on council.
This will be a four-year term for all of the candidates and it will be a tough slog. Nothing happens quickly. There is a lot of work to do in Sooke and those on council will want to prioritize the projects they feel can be completed. The new roundabout took over six years to finally get all the stamps of approvals and property, and there are no shovels in the dirt yet. There is no one to blame, acquisitions and legalities take time and they should. The past council has been accused of moving forward to quickly on some projects and too slow on others. What is needed, always, is thoughtful consideration of what is best for all of the residents of Sooke.
This council will be made up of some fresh faces and new ideas and that is a good thing. It will bring a different vibe to the council chambers and will help those “old timers” see things in a different light, at least we would hope so. What is needed though is a unified council that takes the time to seriously look at the issues facing Sooke and make the best decisions based on information from the professional staff. Council needs to really work together and if they do, they can accomplish anything. It’s time to let old loyalties fade and consider the whole council as allies not just the ones who agree. Each has a viewpoint and a different take based on their previous experiences and that is a valuable asset at the council table.
Whoever wins will have four years to accomplish the district’s goals. Four years to contemplate what the people of Sooke want. All of the different special interest groups have validity and they need to be consulted for the knowledge they have. No one knows it all, that’s why we have them in the first place. Good luck to all who are willing to give of their time for the good of Sooke.