Six months ago, just after finishing journalism school, I was offered the chance to come back home and report on the town I grew up in and care so much about.
It was challenging, rewarding, and relentless, but most of all it was a chance to learn about Squamish. I learnt that this town is full many passionate individuals who make it the special place it is. I was impressed with different people's stories of struggles, triumph, and contributions they make.
The ones behind our many fundraisers, projects and benefits, from bike races to trail building, to benefits to toy drives, are the back bone of this community and they have my admiration and respect.
I also learnt our town, at times, has its own definition of democracy.
The majority doesn't always win, such as the case with the BIA, and despite being hired for their expertise, publicly funded district employees are not allowed to answer to the public via the media. In Squamish, everything from dog poo bags, to gardening, to trail developments has to go through the mayor.
And while I hope our town never changes in regards to the passionate people we house, I do think we are in need of a district communication policy upgrade.
As we experience rapid change and development, it would be useful for the public to hear from the very people hired to help the town make decisions.
District staff should be permitted, without breaching their employment obligations, to answer to "Sound Off" talk to about what is happening with disposable dog-poo bags and discuss garden winterization as well as the much bigger topics affecting our community.
There is hardly a page in our newspaper where the mayor is not quoted. And while he may be the best person to talk to some of the time, is he really the best person to speak on behalf of all district staff all of the time?
Recently some exceptions to this rule have been made and I hope for the benefit of the community, and their ability to be informed, this trend continues.
The future is bright for Squamish and in our hands. Council is in the middle of making decisions that will change the shape of our town for years to come. Be involved in this process as much as you can.
Finally, I learnt how much I love it here and while life is taking me to Australia on Tuesday I hope one day it brings me back home.
Thanks for having me and good-bye.
