When it comes to leadership, the men and women on city councils in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody, the School District 43 board of education, and village councils in Anmore and Belcarra, have shown plenty. Not everyone is willing to stick their neck out to serve the public and these elected officials deserve recognition and thanks.
But - and this is a big but - for a few long-serving politicians, it's time to say goodbye.
This is no longer 1973 or even 1993, and the job of politician is increasingly demanding. Political business is tough: the decisions more complex, the hours long, the expectations high, and what has been acceptable in the past is no longer good enough.
Keeping up with technology is a tough slog and it's no longer a joke to be a dinosaur in this area. Politicians need to be savvy on social media to connect with citizens and keep democracy thriving.
The salaries have kept pace with these increasing demands and $36,000 a year for a school trustee, for example, is a good wage for the time spent.
And so, for those who might think they have the energy to continue for the next four years, perhaps they should look in the mirror and consider retirement.
They should ponder whether, in considering running for another term, they are serving their community's interests or simply their own - whether personal or financial. Put another way: Does the job need you or do you need the job?
Fortunately, we have seen some leadership in this respect as well, at least at school board, where two long-serving local politicians are calling it quits: Brian Robinson, who has been in politics since 1976, serving on council and school board in Coquitlam; and John Keryluk, who has been representing Port Coquitlam on council and school board for 39 years. This might be a consideration for a few others at this time.
You can argue that this stance is ageist but we disagree. We value the experience of our elders, who have wisdom and experience.
But now more than ever, with the term for a civic politician in B.C. increasing to four years from three, voters need to be sure the men and women running are truly up to the great demands of public service.
