Our rookie MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Jordan Sturdy has decided he will remain the mayor of Pemberton while serving in the legislature.
He cites a desire to see some projects through to completion and save his Pemberton constituents the cost of a byelection to replace him.
Those are admirable motives but trying to wear both political hats presents a number of concerns.
Even in a small town, being the mayor is a busy task and MLAs are expected to travel, carry out cabinet or secretarial duties, meet with constituents, and be ready to show up to the legislature ready to answer to the opposition. It's usually better to do one thing well, rather than divide your attention.
While Sturdy may indeed be saving Pemberton a byelection, the taxpayers of West Vancouver could argue with some justification that his choice is "costing" them the full attention of their MLA. Penticton's mayor, who was elected as a B.C. Liberal in May, offered to put up the cost of the pending byelection from his own pocket. Hint, hint.
Sturdy could also face questions on where his loyalties lie. As evidenced by the 155-page book of resolutions the Union of B.C. Municipalities will vote on in the next week, local governments and the province aren't always trying to row the boat in the same direction.
We won't say it can't be done, because it has. But it certainly isn't the norm, and Sturdy should not be surprised if constituents from both jurisdictions bring these questions to him.
