ROTHENBURGER – Beware those who tell you to run for political office

‘A LOT OF PEOPLE have asked me to run.’

No doubt you’ve heard that one several times in recent weeks from former politicians, incumbents and newcomers.

What is their definition of “a lot”?  To some people, three is a lot.

Often, the person making the claim is someone who has decided not to run, or maybe to run for councillor instead of mayor. It’s usually followed by some sort of aw-shucks reasoning such as “I’m happy in my current job,” “We need younger people to run,” or “I don’t want to split the vote.”

And here’s my favorite, from people who have never served in public office: “You wouldn’t want me on City council. I’m too honest.” Or, “I’m too outspoken.”

Being told by others that “you should run” is good for the ego, and telling others that you’ve been told you should run strokes it a bit more.

But it should never be taken too seriously. It’s easy for someone to tell you that you should run. You, not them, are the one who has to come up with several thousand dollars for a campaign, organize a committee, buy brochures and lawn signs, attend candidates’ forums, try to get yourself noticed by the media, and knock on doors night after night for weeks or months.

And if you get elected, there’s the part about learning the ropes, soaking up agenda reports, sitting through hours-long meetings, answering calls day and night, attending public events and cutting ribbons, all the while taking heat from what one of our incumbents disparagingly refers to as “keyboard warriors.”

Which is maybe why “You should run” might be greeted with “No thanks.”

That’s not to say serving on City council isn’t fun and rewarding, and the pay is good. But if you say yes, consider this. You might lose, in which case you can chalk it up to experience, or wait four years and try it again. A lot of candidates have failed at least once in the past — there are several of those running in this 2026 election. Some eventually succeed.

If you’re seriously considering giving it a go, be honest about your credentials. What do you bring to the table? (Previous experience on council doesn’t mean a candidate is qualified to do it again.)

I mean the sort of experience that demonstrates previous contributions to, and involvement in, the community. What boards or committees have you sat on? What kind of knowledge have you gained from current or past employment?

How do you function in a room full of egos and ideas that don’t always jibe with your own? If you don’t get your way, can you move on?

Pro tip — if you don’t have the right kind of experience, find something else to do with your time because running for council probably isn’t right for you.

By the way, a “lot” (at least three or four) people have told me I should run. My answer: Aw shucks, no thanks.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and former school board chair, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website. This column is also published in the July edition of the Kamloops Chronicle.