While municipal elections are still eight months away it is clear that there will be a new look around Nelson’s council chambers next year.
Long-time councillor Donna Macdonald has confirmed that after 19 years at the council table, she will not be seeking re-election in November.
That leaves at least one seat open for a newcomer.
Add to that the fact that municipal terms have been increased from three years to four years in length, and you begin to wonder if other elected officials are deliberating whether they want to make a longer commitment to Nelson’s political scene.
There is no doubt that Macdonald will be sorely missed. She takes with her almost two decades of experience in community politics, social issues and dealing with various committees.
However, there are positives to a newcomer at the table as well, depending on who decides to run for the position.
New candidates bring with them new priorities, a different focus and hopefully ideas that have not been tried before.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the current council will pursue those new strategies. For now, it is all speculation — but isn’t politics filled with speculation?
As the weeks and months pass, other members of council will announce their intentions regarding re-election. That’s when the fun really starts.
Election years, also referred to as “silly season,” always bring with them great promises of change. This year, change is guaranteed.