Although it seems just like yesterday, two years have passed since our last municipal election. Of the 26 hats thrown into the ring seven candidates got the nod from the electorate. So what have all those council contestants who failed to make the cut been doing to stay in the game?
The quick answer is many of the loudest voices from that most recent municipal tilt have been quieter than the inhabitants of a Trappist monastery.
One conclusion that presents itself is the members of this council are doing such a stellar job that no further scrutiny of their deliberations is required.
Another possible reason for the silent treatment is the major issues leading up to the election are no longer front and centre on the political radar. Would it be fanciful to say that buying into either of those propositions is akin to opening a summer snowshoe rental service at the Squamish Adventure Centre?
During the election campaign several candidates declared they were “passionate” about Squamish when they were asked to give reasons for seeking political office.
Where all that pent-up passion went is anybody’s guess.
A number of council aspirants pledged that on their watch muni hall would become more transparent. Promises were made to give issues like public transit, affordable housing and good paying jobs the consideration they deserved.
One candidate vowed to move the discussion “from polarized positions into productive collaboration.”
Another promise was to “bring forth good governance practices” and to work on developing “inclusive rather than divisive solutions.” And at least one council hopeful was ready to “take actions leading to planetary survival.”
The Canadian political system calls on the Official Opposition to ensure that the federal and provincial governments are held accountable for their actions. At the municipal level no such authorized mechanism of sober second thought is mandated.
As a result, other instruments, including print and the electronic media, and especially the persuasive power of social media, can be harnessed to fulfill that role.
But just to be clear, there is no prescribed obligation by anyone, whether they were candidates or not, to remain in the political arena after an election. And presumably many former council contestants, along with a host of new contenders, will ramp up participation when the next municipal election rolls around.
Still, the process of monitoring our elected representatives should not be turned on and off every four years like a kitchen faucet.
With that notion in mind, here is an appeal to all council aspirants: We miss your input, feel free to keep fighting the good fight.
