Speculating on W.L. civic race

We have a civic election coming our way this fall and I hope we can get a better turnout of voters than the last go around.

We never attained the 50 per cent mark for the voter turnout.

Less than one-half of eligible voters turned out to elect those who set the direction for Williams Lake.

That is a shame we didn’t get a good voter turnout, but it was better than in Quesnel or 100 Mile House.

Just more than one half of the electorate had a reason to not fill out an election ballot. Why?

Perhaps we should emulate Australia. If you don’t vote you are fined and the cost is added to your tax bill. What do you think?

This election appears to have two people running for the mayors seat.

It looks like incumbent Mayor Kerry Cook and Coun. Surinderpal Rather will do battle this fall.

I did hear that Walt Cobb may run again.

I think you should take that jet plane into retirement.

You have served us well as an MLA, as a mayor and councillor, so now, save the politics for being a Beaver president, or whatever, you don’t need to do any more Walt.

Also I heard another rumour that Scott Nelson will run for council.

I hope he would get elected as council would have two former mayors to help guide the process of running the community affairs.

Still with politics, Brian Battison of Taseko Mines suggested in a speech recently in Williams Lake, that he has never met such a hard working MLA as Donna Barnett...quite a compliment from Battison as he has met and worked with several provincially elected members of the legislative assembly over the years in his job as a vice-president of the mining company.

And more politics....

Councillor for the Williams Lake Indian Band Rick Gilbert told the same mining get-together that there are many benefits to Taseko/Gibraltar Mine and they appreciate the co-operation and what they do to build a strong relationship.

He got a good laugh when he said the mine is good for this area because it will “bring peace in the valley.”

It was good to see Rick again as I have not seen him for a number of years.

Keep up the good work Rick.

I hope you have a good long weekend folks ... remember to drive safely if you are travelling when lots of drivers will be on the highways.