The Editor,
I recently read an article from the Daily Hive Vancouver that stated: “[A] Staggering 75% of British Columbians want to see young people elected to government.”
When such a large segment of the population is looking to youth for representation in office, it indicates the people would like a systemic change. It indicates that expectations have not been met for the many.
Young people are facing hardships that no one older than 34 holding office had to face, such as our housing affordability crisis. Older people, the 55-plus crowd, are worried about their retirements, about their children and grandchildren in the face of this crisis, plus they are facing an infrastructure that has not kept up with the population.
It used to be that we assumed people with the most experience were the best option to tick on our ballots. Look for the politician with the most letters behind their name or who has sat on the most committees, etc.
Certainly, there is benefit to be gained through both education and experience, and both should be respected. But people are now looking critically at politicians’ effectiveness and at our current state of affairs, and judging incumbents on their work in office.
The technologies our youth are adept at using, such as Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and the like, have provided much more insight to a politician’s performance than before. Our elders have swiftly caught on to these media and are using them as sources for information as well as to share their own voices. This is a wonderful thing and makes our future promising as more people get involved rather than indulge in the blissfulness of apathy. More people realize they are truly affected by election results than ever.
I will be attending as many campaign launches as I can, especially those of the new candidates. I want to hear some fresh outlooks and new ideas, and see an enthusiasm for aggressively changing our policies to help correct this crisis I see our people suffer every day.
I encourage all your readers to attend as well, and if unable to go in person, please refer to these up-and-comers’ websites, send them your questions, ideas and concerns.
Just as importantly, reflect on incumbents’ records, decide for yourself if their history in office is something you feel has helped or hindered our population.
Most importantly, get out and VOTE Oct. 20 (or in advance voting). Set your reminders on your calendar now.
Christina Gower,
Port Coquitlam
