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Time to change the channel

Dear Editor, I am very happy to see such a long list of islanders eager to stand for our next council. Bowen has many energetic, talented people with much to contribute.

Dear Editor,

I am very happy to see such a long list of islanders eager to stand for our next council. Bowen has many energetic, talented people with much to contribute. Now it is our turn to choose a mayor and six councilors who will work together to enhance island life.
And thank goodness there are some new faces.  Last time around, the council’s first move was to hide themselves away, and then they spent three years investing all their time and too much of our treasure in grandiose schemes that went nowhere.  In the end, those costly and unfeasible schemes floundered, and one-third of the ‘just get it done’ council was forced to resign due to conflicts of interest. Let’s face it – the out-going council was dysfunctional.
In last week’s Undercurrent, Shari Ulrich’s letter to the editor was headlined: “Experience is critical for a council that can move forward.” I guess she likes the incumbents.  But I say it’s time to change the channel.  Especially after being made to suffer through the ‘experience’ of council’s backroom boondoggles – led by incumbents Alison Morse and Tim Rhodes.
I know that this time, we will make good choices and elect a diverse group of people with a new range of talents, interests, and experiences.  I also favor candidates who are thoughtful, careful and realistic.  I don’t want to be sold grand promises that can’t be delivered again, even if they are packaged up in slick and colourful campaign ads, complete with focus-group tested words and messages.  
Have you read the promises: pragmatic astute expertise inextricably linked to a complex of bold consensus leadership? Please, this is Bowen; we can see through that big-city spin. That’s why we moved here. It’s the people and places that matter now, not pretty, petty political games.  
Above all, let’s vote for people with open, curious and independent minds; people who will represent all islanders – young and old, rich or poor – and not just special interest groups with costly consultants. We also need to elect people that can have fun, and will genuinely enjoy engaging with the whole community.  
One final thought: I also firmly believe that it’s time we elect more young people and more women.  We need more diversity for a more respectful and inclusive discussion about Bowen issues.  Good luck to all!

Len Gilday