[Langford] Grant McLachlan | Council

[Mike K.]

Image courtesy of http://grantm.ca/

18-year-old Grant McLachlan is seeking election to Langford council.

“A generational shift is occurring in Langford, and I am prepared to bring the concerns of tomorrow to council today.” - http://grantm.ca/

Political affiliations: not available
Campaign website: http://grantm.ca/
Resident of: Langford

[Nparker]

No offense meant, but he looks like he has put on his Daddy's suit to have this picture taken. I wish him all the best, but to be realistic, what real world experience does any 18 year old have to bring to a municipal council? Go to college, work for a while and then maybe around age 25, take a look at public office. OK flame on.

[bluefox]

Originally Posted by Nparker

No offense meant, but he looks like he has put on his Daddy's suit to have this picture taken. I wish him all the best, but to be realistic, what real world experience does any 18 year old have to bring to a municipal council? Go to college, work for a while and then maybe around age 25, take a look at public office. OK flame on.

No flaming here. I think it's just sad that you took such an ageist view of someone who will bring a much-needed perspective to a city council that is dominated by too many of the same type of people. We had the same problem in the federal election with people crowing about 19-year-old candidates and students from McGill winning their races and becoming MPs.

Why do you think most youth don't care about politics? It's because, with all due respect, people like you tell them they're not qualified to go out and make a difference basically for no other reason that they don't have "life experience". How do you know he's not qualified? Yet here we are whining that most of the elected people in power right now with that same "life experience" you consider essential are screwing everything up on a minute-by-minute basis.

So, I ask you, once we run out of 50-year-old white men with I bet the same level of education as Grant here, who would you suggest we turn to next to run the ship?

Considering the local MLA and the local MP have both endorsed him, I don't think there are any legitimate concerns about his qualifications. They wouldn't have done that if they felt otherwise.

After reading his website I have no doubt he'd do a great job, and as of right now, he has my vote.

[Bernard]

I suspect he is better organized to get elected than 99% of the people that run for council in this region. If people do not want to vote for him, then they won't vote for him. If he campaigns well he might win. He is endorsed by his MLA and MP

Colwood elected a young guy last time to council

[Nparker]

Originally Posted by bluefox

So, I ask you, once we run out of 50-year-old white men with I bet the same level of education as Grant here, who would you suggest we turn to next to run the ship?

I am almost positive I never said he needed to wait until he was 50 years old. I wouldn't want a doctor, a lawyer or even a dog catcher to make decisions with only a high school education behind them. I strongly believe that most people benefit from post-seconday education of some sort. If Mr. McLachlan is intent on serving the public, would waiting an additional 4 years really be so bad? As you said do we really want another generation of "50-year-old white men" with only HS education running the ship?

[bluefox]

Originally Posted by Nparker

I am almost positive I never said he needed to wait until he was 50 years old. I wouldn't want a doctor, a lawyer or even a dog catcher to make decisions with only a high school education behind them. I strongly believe that most people benefit from post-seconday education of some sort. If Mr. McLachlan is intent on serving the public, would waiting an additional 4 years really be so bad? As you said do we really want another generation of "50-year-old white men" with only HS education running the ship?

Oh, by no means did I mean the 50-year-old white men as anything more than an example. There are plenty of other incompetents out there.

And to be fair to you, I think you have a point about education. But rather than say "wait til you get a degree" — which you must admit is a tad bit condescending — don't you agree we should be applauding him for wanting to make a difference?

You're speaking as though he has already been elected or that we know what he is capable of doing. Sometimes it's the education we receive outside the walls of the classroom that really determine what leadership we are able to provide a thirsty public.

[Rob Randall]

You can make the argument that a young person does not bring a lifetime of preconceptions and "this is the way I've always done it" attitude to a problem. Joseph Boutilier was only 18 when he and I campaigned in the 2008 election and a few times I found myself realizing his platform was extremely well thought out--he had thought through problems I hadn't even considered.

I would prefer to see some post-secondary education but you'd be a buffoon to think it's any kind of guarantee. There are some high-school grads possessing impressive wisdom while we all know some college grads who are dumb as a box of socks.

[Bernard]

I have seen his approach to the campaign and he is better prepared than almost anyone who has run for council there. He has been clearly learning about the world of politics and seems to learn quickly.

Now if he were running where I lived, I would not vote for because I think he is mainly in politics because he loves the game of politics and would eventually like to be an MP or MLA. I am not convinced he is choosing to run for the right underlying reasons. It is much the same reason I would not vote for Dean Murdock in Saanich.

I did support both Simon Nattrass and Joseph Boutiler in 2008, so age is not an issue for me.

[Nparker]

Originally Posted by Bernard

...I think he is mainly in politics because he loves the game of politics and would eventually like to be an MP or MLA. I am not convinced he is choosing to run for the right underlying reasons...

I know I am a terrible cynic but this is also a sense I get from those who choose to enter the political realm at such a young age. Although I have never felt it myself, I would imagine the lure of politics can be quite powerful.

[LJ]

Originally Posted by bluefox

. Sometimes it's the education we receive outside the walls of the classroom that really determine what leadership we are able to provide a thirsty public.

Unfortunately, he hasn't had any of that yet either.

[bluefox]

Originally Posted by LJ

Unfortunately, he hasn't had any of that yet either.

Oh, I'm sorry, did you spend 24 hours a day in the classroom until the time you turned 18?

[Mike K.]

It's a healthy thing for a youth to aim high only to have their bubble burst by stronger, most established powers. It serves as one of the greatest lessons in life and it can't be taught in a classroom. And I'm not being facetious or suggesting McLachlan won't get elected, but whether or not he wins a seat he'll come away with something most kids his age (hell, most adults, too) have no concept of whatsoever.

[Lorenzo]

I admire his tenacity and vision, however the only way he will get in is if the current mob wants him in. And if he is somehow successful, he should be ready for a long and uneventful ride on council, keeping silent and voting in lockstep with whatever the head honcho wants.

When is the last time anyone heard a Langford councillor take a stand on anything?