Re: “Wanted: A mayor with experience,” LTE Oct. 8.
Dear editor,
If the electorate always went with the most experienced, there would never be a change in governance. Imagine where democracy would be today if we were to fear change and never take a chance on embracing change. Our current prime minister did not have a seat as an MP when he took over the reins of the Canadian Alliance from Stockwell Day, yet not only led the party to become the current federal Conservative Party, but has led our country since 2006.
Ralph Klein not only had no political experience, but had not even worked in Calgary’s City Hall. He didn’t even know where the bathroom was. Yet he not only led Calgarians out of the recession of the ‘80s, but ultimately rose beyond municipal government and became our premier in the ‘90s, leading us out of debt. Imagine if Calgarians were afraid to oust the incumbent mayor of the day. What would our province look like today?
Long-time Airdrie residents will remember Mayor Grant Mclean in the mid ‘80s. He had no experience on City council. Imagine if we had been afraid to vote for change back then. Where would Airdrie be today? Would we have grown and prospered through the late ‘80s and then eventually grow under the stewardship of Dan Oneil in the ‘90s and into the 21st century?
For 14 years, we allowed a federal Liberal government to govern us, despite scandal and corruption, because we believed the mantra of “better the devil we know than the devil we don’t.” If there is one thing we should have all learned from that experience, it’s that if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, then you will continue to get what you have always received. No progress can ever be made without fresh ideas and views.
If we only elected candidates with experience, democracy would be dead. I for one have never believed that simply being elected makes one a great leader. I do, however, believe that great leaders are elected by people who are not afraid to do so. On Oct. 18, I hope all Airdrie residents will join me in voting for whoever they believe are truly the best candidates, no matter their level of experience.
William Thompson, Airdrie
