Let the mudslinging begin!!

Mudslinging? No, it's not raining . . . although soon it will be raining political ambitions in Fort St. John, as City Council, the Regional District, and the School District 60 Board of Trustees positions are all up for grabs this fall. If the last municipal election is anything to go by, not to mention some of the items in the media in the past year . . . there will be a certain amount of mudslinging going on in our previously civilized municipal election.

Again, as in the last municipal election, I suspect much of the mudslinging, disparaging personal comments etc., will surround the race for mayor. Certainly, the last election was not too bad, in this respect, but there were some bad feelings on both sides during the campaign. This time around, largely as a result of accusations leveled at our mayor in the past year, there will be some people who may want to point out these perceived short-comings as a reason not to re-elect him.

I really hope it doesn't come to that. It's not a popularity contest, although it may seem like it at times. It's an opportunity for change, if change is needed, and a chance for residents of Fort St. John to make sure that those running our city are the best ones for the job. We need to elect a mayor and council who will best represent the city, at all times, regardless of any personal baggage they may be toting. You know, put their best face forward, at all times. For the betterment of the city they are representing.

With rumours of four potential candidates for Mayor of Fort St. John, I'm looking forward to this campaign, and to hearing the candidates visions for our community.

Of the possible "known" candidates for Mayor, we have the current mayor, Bruce Lantz. Also possibly running are incumbent councillors Lori Ackerman and Don Irwin. Both have served the City well on council for a number of years - at least two terms for each, I think. I must say, however, that in spite of his years on council, I don't actually know much about Councillor Irwin, the issues he stands for, or his vision for the City. Councillor Ackerman has been more vocal - most notably on the issue of handicapped accessibility to all facilities in the City.

So, come October 4th, we will know who is running for which positions, throughout the region. Best of luck to all candidates, and may those who will be represent the City, the Region and the students of Fort St. John, win.