Since the last municipal election, when 1,920 out of the 2,292 eligible voters on Bowen Island cast their ballots, countless hours of meetings, both open and closed, have been clocked at our Municipal Hall. Plenty has changed over the past three years, and some of that change even comes as a result of what has been said and decided by our elected representatives.
Before we, the highly engaged electorate of Bowen Island, can make our decision about who we want to have sitting at the table to debate and decide our community’s future, we need to know who’s willing to take on the job. Rumours are swirling, but no-doubt, potential candidates are taking the time to contemplate the road ahead if they decide, in the end, to run. If they know what they are in for, they’ll be asking themselves if they are up for the job where one meeting melds into the next, where workdays have no particular end, and where the wrath of the general public (who could be your next door neighbour) is more a pretty well the only guarantee.
Once we know who’s willing to put themselves out there and run for mayor and council, the electorate will have more homework to do. Figuring out whose values and priorities align with yours is just one part of this. Determining who has the patience to do all the listening required to make good decisions for the island, and who has the fortitude to keep thinking independently, and speaking honestly, is the tougher part.
Here at the Undercurrent, we hope to provide you with information that can help as you do your homework. In order to do this, we will not only bring you week to week coverage, but also, we will host a public meeting for candidates for council, and a mayoral debate.
Bowen Island is undoubtedly headed towards another election with an impressive rate of voter turn-out. Hopefully, the voters will not only head to the polls, but also do so with the confidence and the belief that this election will bring our island strong leaders who can forge a path we feel good about.
