Congratulations and thanks are in order for all those who were elected, as well as those who faced defeat at the polls in Saturday’s civic elections.
There’s a road filled with hard work and difficult decisions for those on the newly-elected Richmond City Council and Board of Education over the next four years, and we thank them in advance for that effort.
Thanks also go out to those who made the effort to share their vision for their community — we hope that those who were elected will keep some of your better ideas in mind when they make their decisions for everyone, and not just for those who shared their own visions enough to vote for them.
We’d like to use that old cliche — “the community has spoken” – but, although voter turnout increased by an impressive nine per cent, almost two thirds of those eligible failed to show up at the polls to exercise their right to democracy.
Regardless, we choose to look at the glass half full. The fact is, we have moved the dial on community engagement. Not only was that shown in increased voter turnout, but also in the record number of candidates running.
While trying to cover a total of 52 candidates on the ballot for mayor, council and school board created some logistical challenges, bring it on.
If it means that many more people are feeling invested in our community, discussing issues of affordable housing, land use and bike lanes, we are happy with the inconvenience.
The trick now is to keep that fire of enthusiasm burning, to stay apprised of issues at council. Campaigns help us focus, but they are limited, often favouring those with the cleverest sound bite or deepest pockets. Now is the time to watch what really matters — who parks their vote where.
