Michael's Musings

 Mayor Wayne Stetski seeks citizen priorities in re-election bid

By Michael J  Morris

Wayne Stetski who announced in July that he would seek re-election for a second term as Cranbook mayor in the November 15  municipal election is asking citizens to assist him in finalizing his priorities for the election campaign, and presumably another term.

What a novel idea for a politician! Actually ask the people you are want to represent for their priorities so that "Together we can make an even better Cranbrook."

Forgive me for being a bit cynical, but Mr. Stetski's post on his Facebook page caught me off guard, give the dismal state of politics being practiced in Canada these days at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.

Granted, Mr. Stetski has shown a willingness to meet with folks at his 'Coffee with the Mayor' sessions on a regular basis at various restaurants in the city, but now he is taking it a step further. He has also invited citizens to go along on walks.

Here is the post from Facebook on July 17:

"Over the next two months I will be finalizing my priorities for the next four years so that I can commit to them in my upcoming campaign. I'd like to hear from you. What have you seen over the last 2+ years that you would like to see continued in this great little city that we all call Home? What new initiatives would you like to see? Together we can make an even better Cranbrook!"

On June 11, he announced that he would seek re-election, and here is the Facebook post:

"By announcing now it will give the people of Cranbrook five months to tell me what they feel the priorities should be for the next four years. There are a number of important initiatives underway ranging from removing barriers to business to ensuring Cranbrook is Youth Friendly to making Cranbrook more accessible for people with mobility challenges to encouraging the arts and multiculturalism, to name just a few.
TOGETHER, we will keep Cranbrook moving forward!!"

In his announcement, he gave a very clear indication that he wants input from the citizens. He reinforces it in his most recent post, so folks, if you have not contacted Mayor Stetski with your priorities for the city of Cranbrook, I suggest you do so.

Just imagine how great a city, province and country we would be if politicians started listening to the people, and acting in their best interests, not those of a select few  --- the so called base that seemingly dominates 21st Century politics.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Full disclosure: I am not now and never have been a member of the Citizens for a Livable Cranbrook Society; however, I did conduct a workshop for its members for which I was paid.