Editor: Many citizens believe that they could do a better job in government than our elected officials, if only they had the chance to serve.
Becoming a member of the Township of Langley council or school board may seem like a good idea when you are sitting at the breakfast table complaining about roads or class sizes. But, typically, these jobs can turn out to be more than people bargained for.
People who run maybe don’t realize how complicated the issues are and have no idea how time-consuming.
Becoming a mayor, councillor or school trustee is both a rewarding and privileged form of public service. You will be in a position to make a difference to the quality of other people’s daily lives and prospects.
Being an effective mayor or councillor requires both commitment and hard work. Mayors and councillors have to balance the needs and interests of residents, and the council.
These will all make legitimate demands on mayors’ councillors’ time, on top of the demands and needs of their personal and professional lives.
To those who are running for mayor, councillors and school board, thank-you for wanting to take on the job, it is a hard one, but the positives outweighs the negative.
Make a difference.
Shirley Sawatsky,
Langley Township