Dear new government: Some advice from a pragmatic voter
If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. MHAs should remember that
Dear new government of Newfoundland and Labrador,
In full disclosure, while I am Canadian, I'm one of the many Canadians who have a colourful history and pieces of their heart in different countries.
I give you this background because I think context is important. I dance and sing to The Islander with as much enthusiasm and joy as anyone either born or bred a Newfoundlander — I am a proud islander — by choice.
With that said, having lived here for exactly a decade this September, the question I get the most i,s "Why did you come here?"
Don't get me wrong, this is a perfectly reasonable question. It's the accompanying look of sheer confusion, concern and sometimes humour that's interesting. In my experience, barring the terrible weather, most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians don't understand and are fascinated why anyone with a choice, would live here.
No one expects you or your plans to be perfect — you'll be rewarded in voter confidence for being authentic.
I believe this confusion is symptomatic of the current doom and gloom rhetoric underpinning the province's economic and political landscape.
In fact, it's why I'm writing this letter.
We have to move to a point where some of us aren't constantly second-guessing our decision and feel like we're making a mistake by living here.
Just as the St. John's fog eventually fades out the water and ships, I'm sure by now the euphoria over your wins has faded and you're now trying to figure out your role in the minority government.
First, congratulations and thank you for putting yourselves forward for civil service. I always try to be cognizant of Theodore Roosevelt's advice that "It's not the critic that counts.… The credit belongs to the [woman or] man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly."
The job you've signed up for isn't easy. But, we all want you to succeed. The following are four pieces of advice from a 30-something, townie(ish), working professional voter.
1. Find a new colour scheme.
It's safe to say that this election was about many voters being dissatisfied and wanting change. A word of caution to the Progressive Conservative and New Democratic parties — it's not that voters necessarily voted for you and your mandates, but they voted against the Liberal party. Therefore you shouldn't enter this new collaborative government believing your place there means that your policies and plans were superior. We all fail that way. You still have to prove yourselves and need to quickly figure out together how to take your red and blue books and make a joint purple book, with a splash of orange.
2. Be bold. Innovate.
We all know there are big issues to address — in your leadership we're looking for bold and innovative plans. Nothing great comes without hard work and tough decisions. If you need people to sacrifice for a defined end goal, explain it, quantify it and provide progress updates towards it. History will be kind to you.
3. Stop blaming each other.
None of us can change the past — move forward. The present and future are more important. Continually talking about the past and blaming each other is worrying. It makes us think there's a lack of vision for the future.
4. Tell the truth.
Someone smart once said, "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." You are all human and we are not infallible. Try things, make mistakes, but own them. No one expects you or your plans to be perfect — you'll be rewarded in voter confidence for being authentic.
Truthfully, I have a lot more I want to share, but we all have work to get back to and I promised only four pieces of advice.
- Satire from Edward Riche: Condolences for the casualties of minority rule in N.L.
- Lori Lee Oates on how pop culture can help N.L. thrive in the global economy
I'll leave you with this: we live in a beautiful province full of potential and I know why I'm here.
You all now have a seat at the decision-making table.
We will all be watching (well, the 60 per cent that voted will — becoming relevant to the other 40 per cent is a letter for another day).
Sincerely,
Mimi
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