Dear Editor:
With the new four-year term for mayor and council, it is imperative that we examine each and every candidate carefully before the election. Before voting, you need to inquire about each candidate's age and well-being. Add four years (term of office) to their current age to better understand how old they will be and what their abilities toward the end of their term may be like.
There's no mandatory age for elected officials, however, we all know that aging affects good decision-making and is a detriment for the long hours our elected officials need to remain alert and effective. Long hours occur regularly in this city, especially when we have public hearings where as many as 12 hours a day are spent on the job.
As well, ask each candidate about their individual health issues so you can better understand if they are fit for the job. Heart attacks, strokes, joint replacements, senile dementia, disease, transplants, concussions and other ailments may have been experienced by some incumbents, and not all of them are forthcoming with that personal information. Even the recommendations from the usual political and special interest groups do not consider candidates' age or their maladies in their support of candidates to the electorate.
This information is important and should be mandatory because if a vacancy does occur due to a death or severe illness, you, the taxpayer, will be on the hook for the byelection expenses.
Gavin Palmer, New Westminster
