November elections on the Sunshine Coast are shaping up to be some of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
On Sept. 17, a number of women who are either considering running for office themselves or backing another candidate went to school, "campaign school" that is, to get more information on what's involved.
For many, the number of hours and the minimum compensation can be a huge factor in the decision.
"We're not doing it for the money and we're certainly not doing it for the power," said Donna Shugar, Area D director on the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) board, to the 20-plus women in attendance.
Shugar, along with panel members District of Sechelt Coun. Alice Lutes and Town of Gibsons Coun. LeeAnn Johnson, talked about their experience of being elected to municipal government.
All three cited confusion over the jurisdictions of residents on the Coast as being one of the most common concerns they deal with. All of them were quick to give staff at their offices credit for the knowledge and support given elected officials.
Ultimately, they said, it comes down to being true to one's values and paying attention to the needs of constituents.
"If I can lay down my head at night and sleep with [the decision made], I'm all right," Lutes said.
Andrea deBucy, chief financial officer for the District of Sechelt, gave an overview of the Local Government Act and told the women some of the pitfalls to avoid. Ignorance of the law is no justification for running afoul of the Act, she said.
"Do not blame your financial officer. Know the rules and follow them. Ask yourself, 'would it bear public scrutiny?' Remember, perception is everything. People will mind your business better than you can," deBucy said.
She also joked that the pay would not be a good motivator for running for office. "Do it for the love of your community," she said.
Business coach Margaret Page spoke to the women about how they could make a difference. She reminded them how important it is to pay attention to their values and to align them with the community's values.
Claudia Ferris outlined campaign strategies and ways and means to accomplish being elected. She had a plethora of ideas on ways to get the message out. But ultimately, she said, nothing works like pressing the flesh. Going door-to-door and meeting people is the best way to connect with voters, she said.
Other subjects dealt with during the day included the media and ethics. Some fascinating case studies were presented. ?
Local businesswoman Dawn Miller, an accomplished Toastmaster who ran as the provincial Liberal candidate in this riding during the last provincial election, gave the women practical advice on how to introduce themselves at public meetings and some tips on how to respond to unfriendly audiences or people with preconceived agendas.
The youngest elected woman on the Coast, current School District No. 46 board trustee Lori Pratt, spoke about her experiences with learning about the position and about the local school district. She stated her willingness to help any woman interested in running for the school board.
The final speaker of the day, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, the mayor of West Vancouver, was a treasure trove of information. She highlighted the ups and downs of her own political career.
On one memorable occasion, she and the deputy chief of police for West Vancouver were told at Government House in Victoria that "wives" weren't allowed in the meeting the two women were attempting to attend.
On another she talked about meeting with a nabob who owns land in West Vancouver. Goldsmith-Jones was informed that she would be expected to curtsy to the man.
"That wasn't going to happen," she laughed.
For the feisty young woman, the key to her political success has been openness. Rather than meeting behind closed doors, she conducted her campaign strategies in coffee shops. And when people questioned what she was doing, she invited them to join in the session.
Although she is not running for office again this November, she doesn't preclude running for office at a different level. She has been approached by Premier Christy Clark to run provincially in the next election.
In the course of her political career, Goldsmith-Jones has met many outstanding world leaders. She welcomed many to West Vancouver as one of the host cities of the Olympics, and just this past year she was invited to the United Nations headquarters in New York to speak.
Nominations for local office close Oct. 14.
