It’s been nine months since taking on the role of TNRD Area “A” (Wells Gray Country) representative, four years since I’ve moved to the North Thompson Valley with my family, and 29 years since I was privileged to become a citizen of our beautiful country, Canada.
In all my time in Canada, I was blessed by being part of the most welcoming communities from West Vancouver to West Side Vancouver to Clearwater. It is because of these experiences that I felt comfortable to run for local government office; that I AM part of these communities that I speak for.
The ubiquitous term of the “honeymoon period” in public office eventually passed and I’ve had to tackle issues from bylaws to recreational access to wildfire community preparedness. I always knew eventually there will be friction when I cannot get the results that residents want.
But I did not imagine the line to be crossed would be an incident this past long weekend where I was bringing some reassurances to the Upper Clearwater community that personal reports of wildfires to me are acknowledged and followed up on. They repeatedly challenged the usefulness of my information, to which I first apologized then respectfully disagreed until they crossed the line by highlighting what they themselves deem as information worthy of sharing unlike mine.
First of all this individual did not reside in my constituency of Area “A”. Second, I do not have time to debate disruptive individuals at 11 p.m. This was a learning moment for me as to where I need to set up boundaries.
In response to my disengagement from the individual on social media, they decided to text me with a message that had a racist tone to it. This is by far the ugliest thing I have experienced in a long while. I firmly believe the message from the individual who is also a relative newcomer, does not represent the values of the North Thompson or Canada.
Without selfishly asking for an easy ride for myself, I ask that constituents of other elected officials be considerate of those who have chosen to put aside their family and financial well being at times to serve their community. I hope that people will understand when elected officials are forced to disengage at times, in order to protect thier own mental health.
Thank you and enjoy a safe summer.