We’re in it now - the run up to the election on November 15. The signs are up and the candidates are door knocking and waving at cars and doing whatever they need to do to get their message out. But what is the message exactly? Of course we all want fiscal management, attainable priorities and less traffic on Sooke Road. Those are the givens, the obvious platforms. What is not obvious is how many of the election “promises” are going to be accomplished. There are legalities and processes which are necessary and required. It’s not as simple as saying ‘I’m going to....’
What we need is someone who can lead by example. This applies to councillors as well as the mayoral candidates. There are years of experience and a proven track record by the incumbents. It isn’t an easy job and past performance should speak for itself. What you’ve seen is what you’ll get. New candidates can bring a new and fresh perspective to the council table.
We need to show respect for all of the candidates, for their right to run and their willingness to give of their time for the community. Election signs shouldn’t be tampered with and defaced. If anyone is unhappy with a particular candidate, show that at the voting booth. Put your “X” next to the name of the candidate you want to see around the council table. In such a tight race that this is shaping up to be, allow everyone to have their say. If they are talking the impossible or making promises they can’t keep, that will show. The electorate is pretty smart - they won’t be swayed by promises that can’t be kept.
It’s now only 25 days until we get to choose and there are two opportunities to question the candidates, one on October 30 at the Sooke Community Hall and one on November 4 at the Prestige hotel. Come out and hear what your candidates have to say and see how they respond. It’s your chance to see each of them in action.