Change needs reason, as does resistance to it
Being a mayor brings risks and opportunities as almost every day you are asked for your opinion on a multitude of matters.
And of course there’s always an expectation that you have extensive knowledge of whatever the subject in question might be.
Let me just say, I happily admit I am only human and my knowledge isn’t as vast and extensive as some may give me credit for.
The position I currently find myself in, being returned to the mayoral office uncontested, has brought comments and questions from residents and media alike as to how I feel about the situation.
In short, I feel privileged and grateful and eager to get on with the job. But how I feel is never where the interest ends.
More often than not, the question it leads to is: ‘‘What are the great and not so great parts of the job?’’ Generally, I focus on the good and bypass the not so good.
Occasionally I am asked what frustrates me about the role. It has come up recently, so I will take this opportunity to answer.
Overwhelmingly, frustration comes down to people preferring to focus on problems rather than solutions, and more often than not problems that invariably relate to some form of change.
It fascinates me that one of the very few constants in life, other than death and taxes, is of course change. Nevertheless, it’s something we seem to be hardwired to resist at every turn.
I guess being comfortable in whatever situation we find ourselves in feels good, but history points to change always winning the day eventually.
During my career I have found politics is particularly prone to attracting people who are resistant to change. Let’s be perfectly clear – I am not referring to any particular individual or any particular point of the political spectrum. It just seems to be the way of the world.
The tribalism it spawns, though, is in my view not helpful if a fair and just society is the aim.
Anything disturbing the norm seems to be the enemy of good in the minds of many people.
I believe change for the sake of change, without good reason, is pointless and demoralising. But the well-worn phrase ‘‘because we have always done it that way’’ is not an excuse to avoid change or avoid even looking at something to see if change is needed.
Anything I do is unlikely to make much of a difference but resistance to change does frustrate the heck out of me.
Now I have got that off my chest, the opportunity to reward and recognise achievement and leadership across a host of sectors in our local society is almost upon us once more. Nominations for the 2019 Gore District Community Awards nominations have now closed, with the gala evening on Friday, 1 November.
I never cease to be amazed at the depth and breadth of talent, both young and more mature, that these awards highlight.
The guest speaker this year is Sarah Walker, champion BMX rider. Her story will certainly worth hearing.
This week has seen the launch of the Southland-wide Welcoming Communities project. The Gore District Council has been active in its establishment and I look forward to more involvement as time goes on.
If there is any obvious pointer to change in our communities it has to be the renaissance in the ethnic make-up of our province in recent years. To witness the enthusiasm and energy on display from new Southlanders at Wednesday’s launch was like a tonic and points to a great future. Well done to everyone involved.
Of course, yesterday saw voting papers for this year’s local body elections start arriving in mailboxes around the province. If you are on the electoral roll you should have an envelope winging its way to you as we speak.
If you aren’t on the roll, then you should approach your nearest council office as you will need to request special voting papers.
We need your vote to count. Voting is one of the fundamental building blocks of democracy. I encourage you to do your bit.
To everyone who has had both the conviction and courage to stand for election, all the very best. It can be a bit scary, but believe me it is also rewarding.