Younger people need to be politically engaged
DEAR EDITOR:
In the upcoming municipal elections this fall, I was left with a question that I found myself trying to answer. Do I or do I not put my name forward for a seat on the city council? After talking with close friends and family and a lot of self questioning, I decided not to put my name forward.
The reasons I used to come to this decision is first and foremost I am unknown in the community other than my letter writing to the Prince George Citizen. Secondly, I have no real platform other than I want the issue of homelessness and panhandling dealt with and holding the city to fiscal accountability. Beyond that, I have no agenda.
Thirdly, I have limited political experience and it is easy to get overwhelmed in something you have little to no experience in and lastly my health as I have had several medical issues over the past couple of years. How effective would I be if I can’t represent the citizens of Prince George if I have medical issues?
I believe this election of the city, mayor and council will stand out for many reasons because so many people are tired of the fiscal irresponsibility of the city over the past several years and the inaction by all levels of government including band councils on how to deal with the growing issue of homelessness, the camps and the panhandlers. Add to that the city is growing and it has an aging infrastructure that was ignored by previous councils for years until recently and now the catch-up game is being played, which is a costly venture in itself.
Lastly, I would love to see involvement of the younger generations in local politics. Us older generations are stubborn and set in our ways of thinking and doing things and many of us are resistant and downright cranky when it comes to change.
Younger generations don’t have the knowledge or baggage we have but they have new ways of seeing things that we don’t, and they can bring a fresh perspective to old ways of thinking.
Older generations are good at moaning and groaning but when it comes to action, they tend to hide up in the bleachers and squawk from there rather than being proactive, whereas younger people have a voice but no clue how to use it.
Dean Soiland Prince George