Democracy at its Best..

Democracy at Its Best:

Municipal elections are one of the most exciting processes in our democracy watching the various characters duke it out. There is still much work to do to get voters engaged with the dismal turnout (Abbotsford 33%, Mission 25%). With issues like Plan A Capital Projects and the crematorium on the minds of Abby voters and Genstar for Mission residents, I expected a massive turnout and change of guard. But, it became apparent early throughout the evening it was going to be the same old political show with many incumbents getting reclaimed for another 3 years. With a councillor not seeking re-election and an incumbent going down to defeat in both Abbotsford and Mission there will be two rookies at the table on both sides of the Fraser. There were even a few candidates with no prior political experience challenging incumbent Mayors, proving not to be politically effective.
The Fraser Valley’s political spectrum is often defined by religion and race. Abbotsford being known as the "Bible Belt" with 80 plus Christian Churches it is often hard for newcomers to break into the political circle. Voters have had a long tendency to go to the polls in blocks whether they be Christian, anti Christian or ethnic voters. This strategic voting has divided this farming community for decades. We who live in Abby like to believe we are multicultural with many diversity events taking place in our city in the country. With the changing demographics Abbotsford still unfortunatley struggles to be inclusive and change is often too slow stopping it from progressing. The clear message has always been if you are not Christian, you are not welcome here. The crematorium issue is a prime example of this and was on the minds of many South Asian voters after it was turned down earlier this year. The general consensus was that it was defeated because many Abbotsford Christians don’t accept the concept of cremation as part of their faith. Abbotsford the fifth largest city in province is slowly changing and the ruins of Christian power are disappearing. The vibrant South Asian community is the second largest community in Abbotsford with roughly around 20% of the local population being involved in various facets of local life. The community ran a record number of candidates at this years civic elections with four vying for council and three hopefuls for school trustee. The South Asian community has faced discrimination, but with patience and well-spoken leaders Abbotsford is proving to become a viable place to live.
Veteran Abbotsford City councillor elect Moe Gill knows this story too well. Gill first ran for city council in Abbotsford in 1986 and campaigned five times before getting elected on his sixth attempt in 1996. He was urged by many including Christians to try one more time and he was successful becoming a steady voice at the council table for over a decade. Councillor elect Gill will be entering his 5th term on council and had his best showing this month finishing third with 13,248 votes. Gill said, " I thank the community for the strong support. They came out and brought the heaviest support and I will do my best to work hard at the council table for the community".
Another bright spot for the South Asian community in Abbotsford was electing Preet Rai to School Trustee after his third attempt with Trustee Sat Gill not seeking re-election after one term.
Across the river in Mission, they also ran a record number of South Asian candidates with a total of three seeking a seat on council.Councillor elect Terry Gidda was easily re-elected for the second time with his strongest showing finishing second. Gidda ran unsuccessfully many times through the decades proving to become a strong leader on council with his community experience.
South Asians candidates were unsuccessful in their bids for local office in surrounding Fraser Valley communities in Langley, Chilliwack and Maple Ridge for School Trustee.
I applaud all the candidates who put their names forward. It takes courage to run many people talk about it, but very few actually follow through. There are no losers in this political game just people who want to make a difference.
KenHerar@gmail.com