We are part of The Trust Project.
Wow, four candidates are running for the at-large position on the city council. Isn’t that wonderful? Or not?
The candidates include one new person, the incumbent already in the position and two councilors each with two years left of their current terms.
So why would a councilor with two years left on their term decide to run for a different council position?
ADVERTISEMENT
When asked why these candidates have opted to run for this spot on the council, the common response is that they each want to represent the entire city, rather than just one ward.
RELATED: Read more letters to the editor
Having been a previous council candidate myself and door knocked almost the entire city, I can tell you that the diversity in each ward is fairly representative of the entire city.
When I see that my council representative doesn’t vote the way I may have liked, I figure they are simply voting to represent other persons in the ward.
My concern lies in the two candidates running from “safe” positions, let’s call them candidates A and B. Win or lose, they will both remain on the council. But, if one wins, there is a vacancy in their ward and the city must hold a special election to fill that now vacant seat. A special election to the tune of $3,000 to $5,000.
RELATED: Quick tips on Pioneer letter to the editor submissions
Now let’s say candidate A wins the election, so their ward seat vacancy now requires a special election for which candidate B is eligible to run.
ADVERTISEMENT
If candidate B were then to win that special election, then another special election must be held to fill B’s vacant ward. Again a special election cost of $3,000 to $5,000.
My fellow voters, I want you to look at the candidates and vote for who you think would do the best job. But also, be aware that your vote could cost the city taxpayers $3,000 to $10,000.
