ROTHENBURGER – The hidden pain of all the candidates who run and lose
(Image: CFJC-TV)
INAUGURAL MEETINGS are, in essence, a victory celebration for the winners.
Throughout the province, City councils, regional district boards and school boards have been holding their inaugural meetings to swear in their new members. This week, Kamloops council held its meeting; Monday, the Kamloops-Thompson school board will do the same, followed in a week and a half by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
For newly elected or re-elected, it’s a happy time as they look forward to holding public office. They have plenty of help from the public and the pundits figuring out their roles. During the past two weeks, they been advised, chastised and sermonized by those who think they know how the job should be done.
They’re told to be honest, accountable and respectful, and to learn the complicated rules and systems of municipal governance before they try to do too much. Most of all, they’re admonished to work together in a harmonious fashion.
Well, OK, good advice. But how about some advice for the losers?
Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and a retired newspaper editor. He is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Anger and bitterness are likely present, even with some of those who “won” a place at the Horse Shoe table.
I just can’t see how anyone would want to run for office based on a “happiness factor”. In my viewpoint holding a position is a matter of great responsibility not about invites to cocktail parties. I guess being happy to be elected is, for some, about cocktail parties? Or to fend off boredom? Without mentioning any names off course.