Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Mel Rothenburger

Armchair Mayor

ROTHENBURGER: Should politicians have to take a test before they run?

Aug 5, 2023 | 7:48 AM

WE SET VERY FEW standards for politicians in this country. Intelligence, for example, has never been a requirement for holding office. It’s part of democracy.

We can all think of examples when politicians have demonstrated a lack of cognitive ability — or, at least, wisdom — but there are certainly other factors in what makes someone fit for office.

To legally operate a motor vehicle, we must pass a test. We have to know the rules of the road and driving basics.

A test is also required to become a Canadian citizen. It’s often said new Canadians know more about the country than those who were born here.

To apply for a civil service job you must be tested. To sell mutual funds, you have to be certified. To jump out of an airplane, you need basic training. To practice law, you have to pass a bar exam.

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Politicians, though, don’t have to do anything to prove they’re worthy of holding office, and sometimes spend most of their time after election proving they should never have been entrusted with the public’s business.

So, is there a better way? It’s a question that’s often asked. Some propose that anyone wanting to become a politician should at least have pass a civics test. Such a test could include some basic political science, knowledge of rules of order, how governments work and other stuff.

If you want to run for City council, for example, maybe you should know the history of certain local issues, have a grasp of the fundamentals of how to conduct a meeting, have the ability to read an agenda, know about different zonings for land, understand the authority of various levels of government and some basic points of law.

Some of this is included in orientation sessions provided to newbie elected representatives but clearly it’s not enough and maybe it just doesn’t sink in. Why should taxpayers have to patiently wait for the people they elected to figure out, over the course of four years, or more, what their jobs are?

Those who oppose tests for politicians — whether IQ or political knowledge — argue they wouldn’t guarantee sound judgment. Very true. But it might be a start.

Others say voters should have to take a test as well. But what kinds of questions would they and the candidates be asked?

Well, in the spirit of community service, I’ve put together a City council version of the citizenship test. Like the citizenship test, it’s multiple choice to make it a bit easier.

What is the official anthem of Kamloops?

a) Taking Care of Business.

b) The Good Old Hockey Game.

c) Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Who is the Mayor of Kamloops?

a) The Chief Executive Officer of the City.

b) Some guy who keeps trying to change things.

c) Don’t know; I never read his memos.

What’s the difference between a treatment centre and a concentration camp?

a) One is good, one is very, very bad.

b) One helps people, one definitely does not.

c) Obviously I don’t have a clue.

If you hear a fart joke, what should you do?

a) Ask ‘what’s invisible and smells like carrots?’

b) Pretend you didn’t hear it and continue eating.

c) Blame the mayor.

What’s the Community Charter?

a) A statutory framework for B.C. cities.

b) A tour bus company.

c) Something to quote sections of in an argument.

If City council receives confidential information about the mayor, what should you do?

a) Keep it under wraps.

b) Depends on whether it’s favourable.

c) Immediately leak it to the media.

What’s the common honorific for the Mayor?

a) Your Worship.

b) Mr. Wonderful.

c) You So-and-So.

What two languages do City councillors most commonly speak?

a) English and Secwe̓pemc.

b) English and French.

c) Double speak.

If a citizen wants to talk to you, what should you do?

a) Welcome them and give them all the time they need.

b) Tell them they can have five minutes and not a minute more.

c) Tell them you’re busy doing important stuff and suggest they send an email.

d) Ignore the email.

Serving on City council is:

a) A civic duty and an honour.

b) A good way to make some extra cash.

c) Don’t know; I’ve forgotten already.

What does a City council do?

a) Makes important, thoughtful policy decisions.

b) Raises taxes.

c) Argues a lot and has really long meetings.

What’s the marketing ‘brand’ for Kamloops?

a) Canada’s Tournament Capital.

b) Meeting of the Waters.

c) Malfunction on the River.

When a pressing social problem is brought to your attention, do you:

a) Work together with the community to find a solution?

b) Insist that you’re getting lots of things done?

c) Refer it to a committee to talk about a few months from now?

Where did non-indigenous people first settle in Kamloops?

a) On First Nations traditional territory.

b) Aberdeen.

c) Victoria Street West.

What’s the main economy of Kamloops?

a) Tourism.

b) Manufacturing.

c) The Blazers.

Let me know how you did, or if I’ve missed anything.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.