Re: A question of political ethics (Oct. 10)
In Sooke it’s a tradition for members of the same family, whether they are spouses, kids, grandkids, or grandparents, to serve their community – how is this a question of ethics?
There are countless examples of married couples involved in the Lions, Sooke Community Association, Sooke Region Museum – the list goes on. There are also many examples where family members both run for political office. In Sooke we had father John Farmer and son Marcus serving on council. In the Highlands, spouses Ann and Gord Baird were both acclaimed this year. Former NDP Leader Jack Layton and spouse Olivia Chow served on Toronto city council at the same time.
My interest in politics began when I worked as a political reporter in Ottawa and, like many women, my commitments to family and work came first and it is only now that I’m able to take on this next level of service.
If you unpack the question of “ethics,” the underlying concern may be a fear of collusion between two people who will think and act the same. That concern is rooted in an outdated and sexist assumption that a wife must follow her husband’s lead. This is 2018, not the dark ages.
Others have suggested we are trying to hide the fact that we are married, which is ludicrous considering the information is widely known and publicly available on several sources. Could you imagine anyone thinking they could keep that a secret in this community? Few candidates in this election mention their spouse or partner’s name in their material, do we assume they are trying to hide it?
My marital status is simply not relevant to my record of accomplishment, what I think or how I will serve my community if elected.
Doni Eve
Sooke