Are you sure that you want to run for council?

Sep 10, 2014

Municipal expert Fred Dean packed the Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake on Sept. 4 for a public meeting highlighting the reasons of why and why not to run for council in the upcoming October municipal elections. Dean did not mince his words and gave listeners much food for thought.

On the “Do not run" side of the conversation, Dean targeted those who may have been thinking they could make a fast buck for a minimal amount of work. I am taking liberty here and summing up what I remember Dean stressing. “If you don't like meetings...council is not for you. And if you don't like reading reports, and receiving irate phone calls at all hours of the day, council is not for you.” Dean said also that if you think it won't impact your family life, council is not for you, especially if you are running for mayor. If you have motives of pecuniary interest (meaning your spouse, children or parents might benefit financially from your votes as a member of council), council is not for you. He advocated reading books regarding the laws on pecuniary interest.

On the "Do run" side, Dean did state the heart felt reasons as to why those interested should be throwing their hats in the ring. “It requires someone who is really committed to their community, someone who is a good listener, who loves meetings and who is willing to advance the issues that are important to the community and who can also work well with other people. Those elected to council do not get to chose who they play with in the sand box; they have to work well with all of the other electorates.”

Hat in or hat out, Dean definitely opened up a dialogue for those considering putting their hat in for the upcoming municipal race.

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