There’s a youth movement in Comox Valley politics and Decafnation supports it. Former council members have had their chance. It’s those who must live with the impact of decisions tomorrow who should have the opportunity to make them today
Unlike the federal and provincial political scene where parties and candidates start positioning themselves months, even years, before Election Day, candidates for local government often don’t announce until the filing deadline.
That gives most candidates only six weeks to make their appeals. And because all-candidate forums tend to occur in the final days of the campaign, voters have to make up their minds quickly.
Decafnation has tried to complement the Comox Valley’s private news media this year. We’ve published profiles of most candidates based on in-person interviews. We have not merely published their press releases.
And most of the candidates have collaborated with us, sitting for interviews, responding to our questionnaires, taking our follow-up phone calls. Those interactions have played a crucial role in determining which candidates Decafnation recommends today, the first day of advance voting.
FURTHER READING: Read our candidate profiles and other elections stories here
Some observations about our recommendations.
We have generally supported qualified younger candidates because the future belongs to them. They are the ones who will have to live with the decisions our local governments make today.
We were surprised by the number of former Courtenay City Council members from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s who have tried to make a come-back. Decafnation appreciates their former service, but respectfully suggests they had their turn. It’s time to let go.
We’re encouraged by the number of youthful candidates seeking office this year. Even the Town of Comox has four under-40 candidates. This level of civic engagement bodes well for the whole Comox Valley.
Decafnation realizes that some readers won’t agree with all of our choices. So we’ll say it again: persuasion is not our objective. We only hope to stimulate thought and civil debate.
We admire and congratulate everyone who’s stood for election. It takes courage and a love of community.
Now, here are our recommendations.
A few minutes to go.Thanks to all for a principled campaign.
Thanks for running.You are the best.
Youth and its deep passions and enthusiasm(s) is one of the timeless truths we get to enjoy in every facet of our culture , our lives and our hope for resolution. Social media as an “instant” medium for sharing brings us the classic ” we have the technology”, now. Put these two together and its bound to be “dynamic” and ready to surge forward. All too often the all to familiar classic is to have the “systems” go “whoa!” , their’s a process…… need I suggest more is the pity.
Bring on the youth , bring on the dynamic, bring on the paradym busting ideas whose time has come….
I do suggest that a sincere effort is often assisted by some clarity of vision, focus on initiatives and the oft forgotten feedback loop…so as to stay a vibrant course. Leadership sets the course, the target, fosters a combined vision and from some experience/training/success often provides the greatest probability of success when allowed to flourish.
Bottomline, please vote. Bring on the youth and consider a modicum of seasoned, caring, experienced, leadership prevails in all successful mentoring and baton passing.
I love it ……we do ……we need a miracle.