Election produced no losers

Dear Editor;

At the all candidates meeting, I said that, in my opinion, there are not winners and losers after an election. There are those elected and those not elected, because everyone who runs is a winner. I do believe that.

Having been in the not elected category in 2008, I know how it feels. If you are not elected, it is hard not to take it personally, not to think that it is a verdict on you as a person, rather than a question of politics.

So, on Monday morning, I feel grateful to all those voters who supported me, but I also think about those who didn’t make the cut.

Some will say never again and some will say I’ll try again. But all candidates deserve a thank you. If it had been an acclamation instead of an election, we wouldn’t have had the chance to learn the views of our mayor and council.

We have learned a lot. We can thank Dave Preston for playing a big part in shining a spotlight on the issues and the candidates. He worked hard to get information out to the voters.

During the election campaign, Peachland residents were able to focus on some key issues. Some new questions have been raised. It is up to the new council to find the answers.

One thing is certain: the answers we get will please some people and upset others. So my thought for this week is that although it’s great to congratulate those elected, let’s also take time to thank those not elected for being part of the campaign. They helped to make it happen.

Eric Hall
Peachland