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OUR VIEW: Elections need real leadership

Run for the benefit of the community, not yourself

What started as a trickle will quickly become a flood of candidate declarations for Nov. 19’s civic elections.

We’ll give readers the full scoop on who is seeking to represent you once nominations close, but to those who’ve already made their intentions clear, and to those still mulling the possibility of running for public office, we’ve got a few words of encouragement and advice.

Come with a thick skin, an open mind – open ears are crucial, too – and ideas. What we needs whether it’s at the regional district, city or school board, is leadership. We’re looking for people who can get things done.

We’re looking for people who realize they can’t make everyone happy, and they can’t study an issue to death.

We’re looking for people who are bold – who will learn, listen, and then make decisions accordingly.

Representing your community is a big commitment – be prepared to spend long hours around the council table, in committee meetings and at public events. If you’re thinking of running, you should already be attending those.

Remember, this community has a complicated menu of issues – ranging from a variety of public and private developments, water, sewage, roads, taxes and more – and you’ve got to understand them.

You’ve also got to have ideas to address them.

If elected, what you do in the coming years will have a lasting impact on our community.

Don’t run to inflate your ego, fill your time, pimp a particular cause, or for the paycheque.

Do it because this is your community and you want to help it grow for the benefit of everyone in it.

– Black Press