Jeff Burgar

Late July, early and mid-August are the best days of summer. Sitting in the backyard in late afternoon. Watching the garden and grass grow. Sipping a cool beverage. Thinking casual thoughts.

Thoughts like – What’s a good book to read? Should I binge-watch a series on Crave or Netflix this evening? Should we barbecue hamburgers, hotdogs or order a pizza? Ah yes, the lazy days of summer. Soon enough, those who don’t have outside construction jobs, will be back to a normal routine. Kids in school. Early to rise and back to real work. Put the summer toys away. And maybe even looking forward to the next vacation or even the next long weekend.

Of course, politicians and community leaders everywhere continue to have their nose to the grindstone. Even if the meetings are cancelled or dropped, they are not wasting a moment. Plans are made. Ideas are shared. Thoughts and eyes are on the future. At least, we hope they are. Taxpayers pay for those leaders, whether it be winter, spring or summer.

Honestly, despite those hard efforts leaders tells us about, many of us still think people in office, whether in Ottawa or Edmonton, or some office place in our local communities, really don’t do much. If in fact, leaders are indeed thinking and figuring, some people reckon it’s mostly about how to give a favour to their cousin, or neighbour, or business associate. Possibly many people think that way, because that’s usually what they see or are told about in the coffee shop, or over a glass of wine, or while sharing a pie. Oh, what a shame!

Here is what our community leaders are thinking about. Day and night. Week in and week out. Seriously. When meetings are cancelled because there is “nothing” to talk about. When agendas are short, because “nothing” is happening. This is how all that spare time left is spent. Are you ready?

The hot topics in our leaders’ minds are, of course, The Five Pillars Of A Community. That’s right. Not eavestroughs. Not fishing. Not travelling. Not at all. It’s The Five Pillars.

These are the basics that every community must build upon. This is what keeps them from blowing away in the wind. This is what makes them thrive and grow. This is what attracts newcomers, and keeps current residents here. Let us refresh the pillars. And not in any order:

1) Quality of Education – The quality of local schools should be good to excellent. Parents don’t want to see their children struggling when they leave school, either in higher education or at any employment.
2) Recreation and Culture – Are there many different interests looked after? Are indoor and outdoor activities encouraged and welcomed?
3) Safety – Is the community a safe place to live?
4) Opportunity – Are there jobs? Can businesses survive and prosper?
5) Health Care – What is the quality and availability of health services, from emergency to long-term?

Secretly, our leaders are all thinking long and hard on these topics. Oh you doubters out there, We assure you, these are the thoughts. Really!