By Refraction

Vote the change you want to see

Oct 19, 2018 | 10:51 AM

I VOTE IN ADVANCE for the municipal election and, in addition to general common sense considerations (ie. fiscal sense, a heart for the community, reliability, proven track record of employability, etc.) these were some specific ruminations that informed my decisions:

(suggested listening while you read: ‘Changes’ by David Bowie)

1. Choose candidates who understand the job. Too much time has been wasted at council discussing provincial or federal matters that are outside of their mandated purview. If that time/energy had been used to get ahead of or effectively address homelessness, the needle crisis, infrastructure, arts development, etc. our city would be better off now. Select candidates who understand the job description and are passionate about actually doing THIS job.
2. Choose candidates who are not consumed by a single pet project or who only like to do the fun stuff. A councillor’s job description casts a wide net; while it’s great and natural for each individual to have issues they are more passionate about than others they cannot ONLY invest themselves in the things and people they like. (i.e. a mine, only one specific community within the city, fun events like concerts/beer gardens/fun runs, etc.) They must also be willing to extend themselves for less attractive/comfortable causes with less popular people who critically need their attention.
3. Choose candidates who can play well with others. If they can’t get along with other people they are going to bog down the system, aggravate the process and unnecessarily stall productivity. That is not to say “choose people who all agree and think alike” — not at all. When I objectively considered the names I had originally chosen before voting I realized I was lacking some balance and perspective. My final decision included someone who I hoped could voice important but contrary opinions respectfully and maturely. This is not like voting for an MLA or MP; these representatives have to be team players in very intensive ways within close quarters in order to get the daily job done.
4. Add a dark horse. Choose someone who has piqued your interest unexpectedly with their intelligent responses and positions during this campaign. It could also be someone who represents a portion of the community that does not currently have a voice. Don’t worry if they seem inexperienced; there will be lots of experience around the horseshoe. Pull in someone fresh who you think is the future but needs a shot today.
5. Remember that these people are representing you. They are supposed to walk into the community or chambers every day and use their voice to magnify yours. They should be someone whose discernment and dignity you think/hope you can trust and would be proud to have stand in your stead and speak on your behalf, because that’s exactly what they do.
6. If someone hasn’t shown up during election season but wants you to vote for them anyway, you can pretty much guarantee they will not be a good choice for council. If you want the job, you’d best show up for the interview.

All elections are important, but no level of government impacts your everyday life more than the municipal does.

Hopefully you’ve already noticed, but our city seems to be at a critical turning point right now: violence, hypodermic needles, rampant crime in previously safe subdivisions, opioid overdoses, escalating homelessness, etc.

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But also: beautiful street art, incredible festivals, amazing live music, a plethora of active lifestyle options, lively block parties, great new restaurants, night life, an exploding arts community, unprecedented achievements at TRU, new job opportunities, record-breaking construction, healthy and accessible community services, hopefully a new Performing Arts Center (or two), etc.

Especially now, when Kamloops is on the cusp of both concerning issues and fantastic opportunities, your educated vote in this election matters!

So put on your adult pants and vote the change you want to see.

p.s. Don’t forget to thank each and every person who tossed their hat in the ring; whether you liked, respected, voted for them or not, it takes guts to put your name on a ballot.

Election information from the City of Kamloops

Candidate Information from CFJCToday