Time to ask more of leaders

We should have higher standards for those we elect to lead us.

Dear editor,

It seems that every day there is a story in the news involving some kind of scandal dealing with one level of government or another.

How long ago was it when we started expecting less of our  political leaders? I use that term because the word politician leaves a bad taste in my mouth and I believe that when I go to vote, which I always do, I’m looking for someone to lead me.

I’m smart, but I want to elect someone smarter than me. I don’t want to elect someone just like me. I make mistakes. I want to elect someone better than me.

I want my political leaders to be democratic and support the majority of the voters. Even when I am part of the minority, which I sometimes am, I want to trust my leaders to make the right decisions.

I’ll be honest and admit to voting for a certain  political party loyally, but I’m also aware that past leaders of every political stripe have achieved goals of great historical importance, for my country, my province and my town.

It doesn’t seem so much lately. Every day they seem to be stumbling from one crisis to another. Heck, I can do that. Put me in charge.

For those that no longer vote, we need to give them better choices. Every misstep a politician makes just  reinforces their belief that it is not worth their time or energy. And for those of us that still vote we have to stop expecting (and accepting) less, and start demanding more.

 

Donald J. Allen

Port Hardy

 

North Island Gazette