OPINION PERFECT EXAMPLE OF IMPERFECT DEMOCRACY

So, overall, it’s kind of a mixed bag, but that might also make us the perfect example of our imperfect democracy at work.

While I couldn’t have predicted the road from the election to now, no matter what you see through the tiny window of news stories, speculative online comments sections, unusual meetings, opinion pieces or any other method of peeking in, the 900-plus employees of the City of Kamloops and your council remain solidly here, doing the job on your behalf every day.

I will never stop being grateful that you elected me to do this job at this time. I remain stunned that almost half of people who cast their ballots in the October municipal election put their mark beside my name and I’ll never stop feeling the weight of that responsibility. It’s an honour that so many of you trusted me to stand in this humbling space.

So, stand I will — strong back, soft heart and forward mind.