t’s already starting — the run for the mayor’s chair.
Just this week Wendal Milne has come out and declared himself a candidate in the next municipal election. His name has been whispered about for the past year and now it is spoken out loud.
Many newer residents in Sooke will not know who he is, but it appears he has a following and the respect of many. He will, like any other candidates, have to prove himself to be the sort of person who could fill the vacant chair. Mayor Janet Evans has let it be known that she will not run again.
The biggest task for anyone who wins will be to bring some openness and transparency to the council table. For some reason, it doesn’t seem to matter how many newsletters the district puts out, people still feel there are things going on behind closed doors.
Milne has a background in investigations and it will be interesting to see what, if he is elected, he uncovers. Let’s just hope that all the books are in order and the contracts are perfectly executed. We are not saying there has been any nefarious activity, but there is a “perception” of favouritism and back room deals.
It will be an interesting election and those who have an eye on the prize will be well advised to be up to date on what people are thinking and what it is that they demand from a mayor and council. They also have to be strong enough to take control over the district’s direction.
Let the games begin!