From the minds of our mayors

Our community leaders pass along some advice that they value

by Marie Milner — January 12, 2016

Like a compass and a map, good advice can be a valuable tool for navigating life's journeys. — serggn/Thinkstock photo

We have encapsulated some of the wisdom that our regional mayors shared with us in a list that we hope you will find useful.

Enjoy every minute of being mayor. —Deb Kozak, Nelson
Be naturally curious, and trust your intuition. —Don McCormick, Kimberley
Seek first to understand, then to be understood. —Ron Oszust, Golden
Stick to what you believe in. —Cal McDougall, Sparwood
Don’t lose sight of why you took on this role. —Mike Martin, Trail
Always have a plan. —Clara Reinhardt, Radium Hot Springs
Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done. —Lawrence Chernoff, Castlegar
Learn from your experience. —Ron Toyota, Creston
Treat others the way you want to be treated. —Ute Juras, Canal Flats
Remember that parenting—and politics—are made up of long days and short years. —Gerry Taft, Invermere
These two mayors received the same valuable advice: Think before you speak. —Lee Pratt, Cranbrook and Mary Giuliano, Fernie

And here are some favourite quotes or philosophies from those mayors:

Giuliano: This too shall pass.
Oszust: It’s not about what you want, it’s about what you have.
McCormick: It’s better to be lucky than good, but good helps.
Pratt: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” - Benjamin Franklin
Reinhardt: “People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
McDougall: Good things happen to good people.
Chernoff: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” - R.W. Emerson
Martin: Everything happens for a reason.
Toyota: Look for the good.
Taft: Long days and short years.
Kozak: “Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - Mary Oliver
Juras: "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic, and we’ll change the world." - Jack Layton