The Race Has Begun
D espite the municipal election being almost a year away, there has already been considerable conversation in the community about the issues and candidates that will surely feature large in this next election. The community benefits when residents and business owners stay engaged in the political process, and that is definitely the case on the Saanich Peninsula. This chamber has been building community through business alongside our municipal counterparts since 1912. Suffice to say, the members of our organization make up many of this interested and engaged stakeholder group.
In the interest of community spirit, we offer a few words of encouragement to those good people who are considering putting their names forward for office. These suggestions are based on research with those who have walked before you, as well as from those folks who will be working with you post-election.
Perhaps the most important criteria for your success is that you have at least a basic understanding of the issues you will be facing in your community. Single-issue candidates rarely do well. If your goal is to be elected to overturn a specific decision of a previous council, you are less likely to succeed as compared to a candidate who is focused on the future, is knowledgeable about the community and campaigns on a desire to create collaborative networks.
Start your education and campaign early. Join committees. Attend council meetings. Talk to many people, especially those who do not share your views. Get familiar with local bylaws, annual reports, official community plans, local area plans, budget reports, committee reports and council meeting minutes.
On the flip side of the election coin, our members have asked how they can have their views better represented by councillors who have been accused of putting the interests of residential tax payers above those of businesses. To these members, we offer the following advice: take advantage of the opportunity to talk to the councillors who attend our mixers, events, board meetings and Tours of Industry. Engage with candidates while they are out in the community, concentrating on those whose views you do not share and make them aware of your concerns. Express appreciation for their public service and publicly acknowledge the efforts of the municipality for the positive steps taken to bolster business interests specifically, and the community, generally. If you find one or more candidates whose goals align with your own, you have the option to contribute to their campaign.
It is going to be an interesting election and we look forward to working with those of you who bravely step forward to apply your time and talents in support of your community.