An engaged public is vital to any democracy.
And in this unique period with a municipal election topped off with a snap, albeit somewhat expected, federal election it’s heartening to see so many residents stepping forward and throwing their hat into the political ring.
With the potential of many seats to be filled on Okotoks Town Council, we’ve seen a myriad of candidates step forward for a chance to represent their community.
We’re seeing candidates come forward from all different walks of life, looking to bring their unique perspective to council chambers.
Foothills County council candidates have also come forward with many citing concerns with the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board.
Similar issues have come up with Okotoks candidates as well, with water, economic recovery, affordable housing and other matters being mentioned.
But each candidate will have different priorities and bring differing skill-sets to the table.
In the federal election, Foothills MP John Barlow, of the Conservative Party, has been challenged by the likes of NDP candidate and Okotoks restaurant owner Michelle Traxel and the Maverick Party’s Josh Wylie, a longtime Millarville area resident and veteran of the oil and gas industry, to name a few.
Clearly, we’re at an important and transitional period in time and many folks feel like they have something to add to the municipal and federal arenas.
It’s one thing to be on the sidelines and have thoughts and solutions to ongoing problems, it’s quite another to get involved firsthand.
That’s an important and courageous step and should be commended.
Voters will have no shortage of choices at the ballot box this year and having strong options to choose from is never a bad thing.