New North Saanich councillors are saying all the right things this week as they take office following the civic election last month.
The December 1 inaugural session of the council lacked the fireworks and controversy of the first day of council three years prior — hopefully the hallmark of a four-year term that’s more respectful than rancorous.
Rookie councillor Jack McClintock comes to his seat at the table via the Team North Saanich electoral organization. Four of the five people running on that ticket failed to get the votes as electors appeared to signal a big change. No longer will Team North Saanich hold the majority on council.
McClintock, however, was also a newcomer to the slate of candidates. He doesn’t carry the baggage of the last three years of municipal politics. And as a former police officer, he probably has the skills to be able to diffuse situations, rather than inflame them. Yet, this man who was the Peninsula’s representative on this year’s Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock fundraiser, comes to the group with his own opinions. He may spend a few weeks learning the ropes of municipal politics, but we predict we’ll be hearing good things from him.
Overall, there’s a council in North Saanich that is well-spoken on a variety of issues and many behind the big table now have stood in front of it as active citizens.
They know what people have come to expect from their representatives.
On December 1, the language from the mayor and councillors was of respect, enthusiasm and skill. We can expect debate on many issues, said Mayor Alice Finall — but done without the rancor of the past.
This council appears to be off to a positive start. We know there will come different pressures of the job throughout these next four years.
How each councillor responds to it will tell more about their character.