Running for politics is still appealing to many, judging by the rich crop of candidates running or acclaimed for civic elections in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra for the upcoming four-year term.
In fact, there is one more person running this year compared to 2014, for a total of 96 candidates stumping for votes in the Oct. 20 election (including those Anmore candidates who were acclaimed), compared to 95 in 2014.
While voters will decide the quality of the candidates, we would argue local democracy is alive and well despite concerns raised by outgoing Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore that pension or transition allowances are needed to attract good candidates and social media abuse is turning people away.
Whether they want to give back, believe they have the right stuff to lead or simply want to promote a political agenda, all the candidates in the upcoming election have a good reason to run despite the fact politics can sometimes be a thankless pursuit.
