The stakes are not as high for Comox voters in this week’s byelection as they are for half of the eight candidates.
Whoever is elected will serve less than a year to complete the three-year term of the late Ray Crossley.
If voters are not satisfied with their choice, or if a better option comes along, they can cast their ballots accordingly when all Comox council seats are up for grabs in November.
Besides, if one of the four first-time candidates is elected, he might discover the life of a municipal politician — with its long hours and scant pay — is not to his liking, and might not seek a three-year commitment later this year.
Rookie candidates who are not elected in the byelection have nonetheless raised their profiles and perhaps set the stage for a successful run in the future.
The situation is different for the four former Comox councillors seeking a return to politics.
Amie Anderson, Don Davis, Barbara Price and Dennis Strand each have experience, likely the most valuable asset on a candidate’s resume.
All four have also been previously spurned by Comox Valley voters. That is not a disgrace — most of Canada’s longest-serving and most successful politicians have tasted defeat along the way.
However, the more often a candidate is defeated, the more voters are leery, the more they wonder if something is amiss. Even though only the final third of a term is at stake, coming up short for any of the veterans will make future attempts harder.
If voters like any of the veterans, they should vote for them because their experience will help them to start contributing quickly.
Yet, with apologies to the four vets — especially Price and her experience — this is an excellent opportunity to give one of the newcomers — Derek Bouchard, Pat McKenna, Hugh MacKinnon or Nico teWinkel — a shot.
Byelection turnouts are typically low, so your vote will carry more weight this time. Check Wednesday’s Record for candidate statements – and choose wisely. editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com
