IT'S been said that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.
It's messy, inefficient and expensive. But we accept those necessary evils, in exchange for the benefit of choosing those who represent our interests.
But apparently the results of this month's provincial election have a few politicians wondering if they can pass a bit of streamlining by the public. That's because a dozen newly elected MLAs already hold positions as municipal mayors and councillors - West Vancouver Sea-to-Sky's Jordan Sturdy, who is also the mayor of Pemberton, among them.
The thought of 12 byelections - and their associated costs - has prompted some chatter that perhaps the exercise can simply be dispensed with. Instead, politicians have publicly mused about taking extended leaves of absence or - in some cases - performing both roles.
Both of which strike us as very bad ideas. Yes, byelections cost money. But those now getting queasy at the thought knew full well what running provincially entailed, as did the public who elected them.
It would be understandable if some members of the B.C. Liberals were left giddy with the thought there's no task they can't handle. But holding dual roles like these and not shortchanging the public isn't one of them.
The two roles of municipal and provincial politician are different, and sometimes in conflict. Each warrants a representative serving those interests.
The public in the communities affected don't deserve a person trying to serve two masters - or worse, an empty chair.
