After posting links to items originating or primarily focussed elsewhere, it’s nice being able to feature one written in and specifically about Nanaimo. Today’s piece, written by Merv Unger and posted in Nanaimonet.com, is one of the best summaries of our current election scenario that I have read. Unger, local ex-newspaperman and past Nanaimo Councillor, rings a legitimate cautionary note about the crop of candidates currently running for seats on Nanaimo Council and the position of trustee of Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools. And he provides the antidote to our slipping back to the kind of divisive, hamstrung council we had two terms ago – or even worse. Responsibility for the outcome of an election always lies with the local electorate.
Do your homework before casting your ballot, you’ll pay for it. Nanaimonet.com. September 28, 2022. “I’ve been keeping a jaundiced eye on Nanaimo civic politics for parts of five decades and can’t help but feel there’s never been another election like this one.”
October 2, 2022 at 8:43 am
I attended the candidate forum, organized by the Green Party, last Wednesday night. It was great to see the number of people and number of candidates who attended. Sadly, Paul and I happened to be sitting in an area where we were surrounded by folks who I would say are not progressive in terms of their views on sustainability (the theme of the forum) or other issues. They were heckling and making rude remarks and several times were told to be quiet by the moderator and a few audience members. Several of the candidates also made some remarks that I found concerning, but it was obvious too that some in the audience agreed with them.
All that being said, I agree that doing ones homework is very, very important in this election. This is a democracy, which is good, but I sometimes wonder about the divisions in values on the part of the citizens of Nanaimo.
October 2, 2022 at 9:08 am
I see no reason to believe that the electorate is more or less informed this cycle, but I have noticed uninformed people more willing to speak up.
October 2, 2022 at 9:29 am
Dan, a case of “those who know don’t speak, and those who speak don’t know”?
October 2, 2022 at 10:04 am
As I see it every time people will tell you what they think we all want to hear,and after elected they go there own way. What are we really supposed too do other than check as best as we can and vote accordingly?