The importance of diversity cannot be overstated when it comes to making changes in our community.
The creation of Red Deer First that consists of eight like-minded individuals running in the civic election creates an interesting choice for residents of Red Deer. Do we take the easy path and just check off eight names because they have the same platform or do we look at each individual and check off the names that will implement change that represents the diversity and vitality of Red Deer?
I believe in a Red Deer that is dynamic and embracing of new and different ideas. I believe the reason we have elections and the reason we have more than one position is to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
If the city council is controlled by eight like-minded individuals, I believe Red Deer’s future will be limited to a narrow homogeneous view versus an heterogeneous view if run by councilors with diversity.
Debate is an important part of our free society; one should be able to have opposing ideas and still be able to implement change for the betterment of our society. Ideas need to be challenged and all angles looked at to ensure a positive change that represents all people of Red Deer.
Politics is about implementing change that reflects society as a whole and this is best done by electing people who represent all the people in Red Deer not by a city council that thinks in a homogeneous manner.
While I applaud Red Deer First for getting people’s attention and hopefully drawing more people out to vote, I myself will be voting for people who will offer all of Red Deer’s population a colourful, dynamic and diverse platform. This may include some members of Red Deer First, but definitely not all of them.
Pauline Pizzey
Red Deer