NANAIMO – Canadians are getting ready to go to the polls this month. I hope everyone who reads this is ready to take a half hour and exercise this right. A few things to remember: inform yourself beyond the headlines; show up for a campaign event or two; and keep in touch when it’s all over and your guy/girl has won.
After an election, we mostly communicate with government representatives only when situations become extreme, often to the point that outrage displaces common discourse and opposing sides become polarized and combative. Positive progress becomes unlikely and the community is left frustrated.
There was a significant turnover at Nanaimo’s Municipal Council table in last fall’s election. Many saw this as a huge opportunity to rewrite the playbook and move the city forward… further… faster. That really seems to have failed… failed… and failed. Three major points come to mind: Conference Centre Hotel, Colliery Dams, Core Review. Ooops, add Decorum & Respect.
City councillors, like other elected officials, say they’d like to hear from their constituents. They understand they can’t operate in a vacuum; they need the input and opinions of a broad range of constituents.
Rather than point fingers and start arguments about who and what is right and wrong, try contacting any elected official and share your opinions and ideas about issues that concern you. Thank them for what they do right, and let them know when they… y’know ‘screw up’. But do it civilly.
Leaders need to be reminded sometimes that the outcome of their process is policy that guides legislation which governs our community. That’s a big responsibility and, for that reason, egos and personal agendas need to be left at the door and personal animosities parked outside Council chambers. Individual councillors need to commit to the understanding that at the end of a debate on Council, the winning vote must be respected and defended by each of them.
We all know Nanaimo is poised on the edge of opportunity. The business and wellbeing of our city is at stake at every Council meeting. The Chamber believes the community deserves, and we are committed to seeking, the kind of ‘excellence in government’ promised in our City’s Corporate Strategic Plan. We’re just providing reminders that this is the job at hand for those that are elected, and it’s our responsibility to speak out and let our elected leaders know that we’re paying attention.
– Kim Smythe is CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at ceo@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.