Dear editor,
Following the election campaign 3,000 miles away is not easy; being a university student at the same time is less easy.
However, my ballot was mailed last week, and I am interested to hear the results.
The individuals we elect will lead our city for three years. They will make decisions on policies affecting all of us.
They will decide how much money to collect in taxes and how to use that money. We need to think carefully as we choose our candidates.
The race that perhaps most people in Courtenay are anxious to see concluded is that for the mayor's office. Our current mayor wants another term. Coun. Jangula has put his name forward as an alternative.
Which of these men deserves our support?
A retiring politician testifies to Mr. Phelps' hard work and support for business and suggests that he should be re-elected, at the same time questioning Coun. Jangula's leadership skills.
As much as I respect Coun. Presley, I must disagree with him. Yes, Mr. Phelps has performed relatively well and would perhaps do a decent job again; but is he the best choice? We want not just a good mayor but the best mayor possible from the candidates running.
Coun. Jangula is passionate about making the right choices for Courtenay. Perhaps he has been more controversial than Mr. Phelps, but does that disqualify him? Is is not possible that Mr. Phelps' attempt to avoid 'polarization' and 'party lines' has hindered his effectiveness?
I wish neither to denigrate our mayor's service nor to fully endorse his opponent's ideas, but Coun. Jangula's stand for governmental responsibility is more convincing than ambiguous talk about 'balance.'
It may take time and effort for him to transition from councillor to mayor, but I think that the councillor is up to the challenge. His strong leadership in city hall and the regional district and his determination to ensure good government caused me to give my vote to Coun. Jangula.
If my fellow voters will make the same choice, I think that they will not be disappointed.
Brendon Johnson,
Courtenay
(currently studying in South Carolina)