Dear editor,
I have been honoured to represent citizens as a Comox councillor for three terms (eight years) first in a by-election replacing Coun. Ray Crossley after his untimely passing, then, being re-elected twice. After much reflection, as a 65-year-old senior, I have decided to step down and open up an opportunity for a new face on Comox council.
I am proud to have performed regular councillor duties as well as been part of a council that has budgeted and planned well for infrastructure needs, now, and in the future, whilst heading the Town towards being debt free this year.
And, council has successfully pursued partnerships with community clubs and organizations, regional, provincial, federal governments and K’omoks First Nation that has led to such legacies as protecting the Comox NorthEast Woods, building Point Holmes Shore Protection Restoration and walkway, Comox Marina Enhancement Project Phase 1, Comox Marina Water Park and old Brooklyn basketball court and hoop standards reconstruction to name a few.
On the economic development front, the expansion of the Berwick Centre and location of ambulance service in Comox and sale and development of refurbished Comox Mall and council’s support of the successful bid for the national Search and Rescue Training Centre at 19 Wing Comox bode well for future economic sustainability.
As well, I have been honoured to have served time as Comox council representative to Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Regional Library board, Comox Business in Action board, Community Justice Centre board, and to have served as volunteer council representative to the Comox Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, and Comox Valley Social Planning Committee.
I was inspired to run by Ray Crossley’s legacy of advocating for all Comox citizens, especially youth and was pleased to achieve Mayor and council support initiating the Town of Comox Ray Crossley Youth Achievement Awards now presented annually.
I want to acknowledge the Town staff for their hard work and professionalism and Mayor Ives and my council colleagues. We may not have always agreed but we kept civil discourse, respect and kept moving forward.
In closing, I am asking the citizens of Comox to consider this request: In my view, balance on council works best.
Comox council during my tenure had a healthy balance of gender, and political spectrum which led to good debate and consideration from many points of view. One element, however, has been lacking in my personal opinion in the Town of Comox: that being millennial/Generation X representation on Comox council.
To illustrate why I think it is important to consider millennial representation on Comox council, I’ll use this example: in my high school administrative experience over 28 years and in three different B.C. communities, the best schools were the ones that had a balanced mix of veteran, mid-career and young teachers who ended up learning from, and, feeding off the enthusiasm/mentorship of each group.
For a council and a town, voters would be wise to give leadership opportunities to the next generation by putting them in a position where their political skills can be learned and groomed. And, I believe their perspective will be full of enthusiasm and their insight, from a different set of lenses, so to speak, will be most helpful now and in the future.
Oftentimes, it seems we baby-boomers, with honourable intentions, stick around too long in leadership roles and deny the next generation leadership and learning opportunities.
So, my last request of Comox citizens is to ask you kindly to consider strongly some millennial/Generation X candidates too, when you go to vote in the upcoming municipal elections this fall for positions on Comox Council. After, all, we will need their leadership eventually and much better for a community to have millennial(s)/Gen X gain experience now.
Conversely, a shout out to millennial Comox residents; we need your voice and leadership now to shape our community for ours and your generation. What is the time commitment? Estimates range from 10 to 25 hours per week with opportunities for much council work to be done from home (e.g. preparing for council meetings, contacting staff and citizens etc.)
Please millennials/Gen X’ers consider running for Comox council. Younger families need representation too. Remember, Comox is a wonderful community, and, we need creative millennial/Gen X leadership to allow Comox to continue to evolve economically and sustainably whilst encouraging both citizen participation and environmental protections.
Furthermore, as a final incentive, should no millennial/Gen X leaders step forward to run, this crotchety, old baby-boomer might reconsider!
Sincerely,
Hugh MacKinnon
Town of Comox councillor