Novices jumping for brass ring

Pentictonites need to consider very carefully the issue of council members running for office provincially or federally.

We now have four-year terms for local councils while provincial and federal governments can hold out for five, few do. Moving up from local councils to federal or provincial office is the normal route; where do we draw the line when people take advantage of a short first terms in office to jump ship for greener pastures?

As opportunists are elected to council we face a potential future of hamstrung councils unable to break tied votes for months on end during many four-year terms.

These people jump at openings in the ranks of the NDP, United, and Conservatives and in return receive the future appreciation and payback of the party for running, even if they lose.

But the result for Pentictonites is months of dysfunctional decision-making each term as these opportunists jump for the brass ring. Meanwhile they get a free ride at no cost for their irresponsible actions.

Penticton needs a stable government body that is actually interested in governing this city; that is capable of making decisions based on precedent and the needs and wants of the community.

Experience on councils from the bottom up is an asset when running for higher office. You learn how governance operates from council to regional district to various boards; SILGA to UBCM and on to provincial and federal levels: How bills are passed and decisions are made.

That experience does not come with a quick partial term.

I give you as an example Dan Ashton: City councillor for many terms ran successfully for mayor was chair of the RDOS and was trustee on Municipal Finance Authority.

By the time Ashton ran for provincial politics he was familiar with the corridors of power and knew either personally or through a negotiating level many in higher office. As such he is genuinely qualified to be a successful representative for the people in this area.

The trouble with novices jumping for the brass ring is they are looking for a quick route at your expense: They lack the patience to learn how the system works or build support.

They are like two-year-olds grabbing a piece of candy or the nearest bright object regardless of its cost; it’s not enough that they want it. They need to earn it. The rest is up to you.

Elvena Slump Penticton