Councilor Corner Summer 2013

Gerald G. E. Johnson SLS, P. Surv. Councillor

A couple of months ago, I received a phone call from Wayne Adams, asking if I would scrutineer the ballots for the most recent AGM. I thought I was a bit overqualified for this task having served as Sergeant at Arms the previous year, but as is ingrained in all of us, I said yes. After a moment of miscommunication I learned that I had just let my name stand to serve on council. “Well,” I said, “I’ll let my name stand, but there is no guarantee I’ll get in”. I have been mumbling to myself (and anyone who will listen) that we need to have more elections (and more fines) at our meetings. Low and behold, my foreshadowing came to fruition again when a couple of cagey veterans approached a third member to run, and holding true to course, his answer was yes. I always feared that when it would be my opportunity to potentially serve as councilor there would be an actual vote. Thankfully for my campaign, I wasn’t in Saskatoon to provide my heroic, emotionally charged plea to the members for their vote. From what I have heard those who spoke, did so in convincing fashion – and I am now your pain in the #@!.

As a result of all of this I now find myself looking forward to all of the glitz and glamour that will follow as I embark on my political career. From what I can tell, I will be charged with writing a couple of articles, participating in regular teleconferences, serving as liaison of the practice committee and hopefully leaving my name in the pages of the history books of our association. Some politicians run because of a particular hobby horse they would like to see addressed. I haven’t picked my pony yet, but now that I am on council I would hate to waste this opportunity! Please don’t hesitate to pass your concerns on to me and should I happen to empathize with them, I will be more than happy to bring them up with council. I know our new editor of the Corner Post will be keeping me on my toes regarding his relentless battles with some of our neighboring agencies. In all seriousness; I am looking forward to my time on council and will be aiming to improve the quality of our association and the services provided.

Commission #300