Thoughts on BC Politics and More

I learned in the early days in elected office that when controversy or disagreement erupts it is best to move toward it. Think of grabbing the hot pan just out of the oven with your bare hand, the natural response is to remove it as quickly as possible for fear of getting burned. In politics, it seems the opposite is true. In my experience, when things get heated, withdrawing into silence often creates more of a challenge. It’s not always easy to confront the discomfort head on. However, it is much better to go straight at the issue than to let the discontent foment. Often a lack of response is interpreted through an individual’s own perspective and the quiet is, by extension, agreement with the disagreement or vice-versa. On the political landscape, silence equals a lack of accountability or an unwillingness to be transparent. It is the oxygen for the fire and what was once small quickly grows out of control and it is usually fueled by speculation. ...

“There are no friends in politics” I replied to the radio talk show host as I was asked about my public tussle with a colleague in local government.   My inside voice had escaped and I immediately regretted saying it.   Not that I didn’t believe it; I just didn’t want the cold-hearted ruthless side of ‘Political Frank’ to be revealed to the voting public. When asked why I entered politics I often have a throwaway line about my ‘flawed DNA’ but there may be some truth to it.   Certainly, my grade five friend seemed devastated when I pulled off a coup for book club president during recess.   Years later I felt blindsided when a high school chum ran against me for class president – particularly when he won.   Part of my DNA makes me run for positions within organizations I’m in, even against my friends. When you’re in elected office you make lots of new friends.   This is no different than other workplaces, community groups or even the n...

Political Friends ... I finished my blog post called 'Political Friends' - very much thinking of Nils Jensen and Gerry Furney - hope you like it. “There are no friends in politics” I replied to the radio talk show host as I was asked about my public tussle with a colleague in local government.   My inside voice had escaped and I immediately regretted saying it.   Not that I didn’t believe it; I just didn’t want the cold-hearted ruthless side of ‘Political Frank’ to be revealed to the voting public. When asked why I entered politics I often have a throwaway line about my ‘flawed DNA’ but there may be some truth to it.   Certainly, my grade five friend seemed devastated when I pulled off a coup for book club president during recess.   Years later I felt blindsided when a high school chum ran against me for class president – particularly when he won.   Part of my DNA makes me run for positions within organizations I’m in, even against my friends....