So we will have a mayoral race, after all.
The decision of long-time businessman Mark Vriend to challenge Gerry St. Pierre for the Mayor’s office has added huge excitement to the Oct. 21 municipal election.
Hopefully, it will energize the community, for there is normally nothing like a contest to whet the appetite.
This one is especially intriguing since Vriend, although well known in business circles, is a political newcomer. For him to take on a former two-term councillor like St. Pierre, whose standing has been buoyed by the success of the 55-Plus Summer Games, may raise eyebrows.
Received wisdom says that people should blood themselves first as councillors before shooting for the prestigious job of Mayor.
However, Vriend declares it is not in his nature to do so; he wants, he says, to be more engaged than a councillor.
We can but admire and applaud his spirit. If nothing else, Vriend surely possesses the necessary chutzpah for becoming the ceremonial figurehead of Barrhead. If you are going to represent the area and promote its economic interests then you need a voice of conviction. You need to captivate an audience.
Those tempted to dismiss Vriend’s chances should also remember that there is local precedent with a political neophyte bidding to become Mayor.
The outgoing incumbent Brian Schulz did just that in October 1995, and although he lost to Sid Gurevitch he managed to claim 509 votes, an impressive haul for a first-timer.
At 47, Vriend is about 10 years older than Schulz was in 1995. Those extra years may well give his bid for the Mayor extra weight.
In a decade a man can learn an awful lot about himself and others – particularly if he’s been through a major health ordeal. Which certainly applies to Vriend.
Over the last seven years he battled against bone marrow cancer and – after staring over the edge – recovered his health, thanks to a transplant. It has given him a fresh outlook on life, an extra excitement about the possibilities for Barrhead.
Strengthening Vriend’s election campaign is an extremely successful business track record. It suggests he knows how to deal with people and get the best out of them. It also suggests energy, a good work ethic and experience with money management. Furthermore Vriend has plenty of familiarity with council business, from the outside. As a developer seeking a permit, he has frequently been asked to negotiate bureaucratic hurdles.
We hope Vriend’s political venture will concentrate minds in the community, stimulate debate, encourage people to ask themselves what they want from their elected representatives and inspire a big turnout on Election Day.
Of course, let’s not forget the door is still open for candidates. Nomination Day is two weeks way, time enough for someone else, perhaps emboldened by Vriend, to enter the race.
A mayoral race is great for democracy. Let the best man – or woman – win.
