My good friend Christy Clark announced on her CKNW radio program today that she is considering running for the Leadership of the BC Liberal Party.
I know she would be an awesome Leader of the Party and Premier of the Province of British Columbia.
Should she decide to run I and all the “power” of Dave.ca will be with her. That said, I hope she considers what is best for her and her family as opposed to many of the “do it Christy!” people that rally her without full consideration of what public life means.
Here is her complete statement with audio from earlier on.
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On this program, I have the privilege to engage with British Columbians, in incredible ways – you let me into your homes, your cars and your workplaces.
And it’s amazing to think that people, in towns and communities throughout this great province, tune me and the people who work here at this station into your lives.
Now, I don’t often thank you for that, so… thank you. It’s an honour to have you with us here each day.
Our goal here isn’t simply to inform and entertain you – but to open minds, to let other viewpoints in, so that you can decide who to believe.
I’m sure, at times, that you’ve wanted to take the radio and smash it. Or, even better, get on the phone and let me (or one of my guests) really have it.
And that’s the beauty of our democracy – we can disagree and we can express it.
Sometimes, much more than just listening happens here. I am so proud to say that this station functions as a modern speakers corner where anyone, from every corner of BC, can be heard on almost any subject.
I can think of no better example than our pink shirt day campaign against bullying. Together, you and me, we’re taking a stand – we’ve still got a long way to go but we make a difference.
Thousands of futures, alive in little bodies in classrooms all around BC, are a little bit better because of our work together.
Sitting in this chair, with the incredible team of people who work with me – producers and engineers, supported with every step by fantastic management – has been one of the most important experiences of my working life.
I love what we are doing together.
As regular listeners will know, I hold public service in very high esteem. Although I also know it’s fashionable to drag it down.
And on this program, we certainly do our share to hold public officials to account – as you and they would expect. But never has my respect for the burden of their offices wavered.
These are people willing to put themselves out there – for us.
This respect comes honestly and genetically to me. My Mom and Dad, MY biggest heroes, taught me the importance of public service.
Each did their part to make the community better and, in turn, this made our family better.
When my time came to serve, I chose the way I knew, because my father had done it – which was to run for provincial office
Twice, the people of Burnaby, Port Moody and Coquitlam elected me. First in opposition. Then in government as a Minister.
And after I said goodbye after almost a decade in politics, I was fortunate to be approached by Canada’s number one talk station – CKNW – to engage in another form of public service – talk radio.
To me, this is very much public service. And I think our record in this studio, over the better part of 4 years, proves it. We’re covering and connecting the province for the better.
And yes, people have warned me that my opinions on this show will someday all be played back to me. You know what… that’s ok. My job here has been to provoke debate and get people thinking.
If there’s one thing I have learned on the air here, it’s the importance of debate and discussion.
So, if my words are played back to me one day, my response is going to be “thanks for listening”.
Today, outside these windows in downtown Vancouver, there are some big changes going on and big decisions to be made.
The Olympics are in the past. The recession is slowly, but not painlessly, melting away – communities and families, especially outside the Lower Mainland, are really hurting. We have a changing economy positioned smack in the centre of the world’s most competitive and important markets.
And, oh yes, there’s also change in our province’s leadership.
Fuelling the intrigue is a flurry of speculation about who will enter the race to replace Gordon Campbell. Many names have been bandied about.
So far two very capable people, my friend Moira Stillwell and my former colleague in government George Abbott, have entered the race. Other excellent and qualified candidates will be added to that list shortly.
And the question that some have asked, and that many of you out there are wondering, is will I be one of them. The best answer I can give you right now is – I’m going to think very hard about it.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve received calls, emails, tweets and texts of encouragement from friends, listeners and old acquaintances in and outside the BC Liberal Party – from all corners of the province and all walks of life.
I don’t mind saying that I’ve also been told NOT to enter the race – from friends who worry about the risks and the punishment of public life. And from others who just don’t like me – yes, they exist.
I haven’t really had the time to digest all of this. It’s been, quite honestly very tough to do. We have a busy show here and I have a busy life – I just haven’t been able to give it my undivided attention.
That’s going to change after today’s show.
Next week, I have some scheduled time away from the station. It’s a chance for me to collect my thoughts, my friends and my family and give this decision the attention it deserves.
I feel I owe that to the people who’ve encouraged me to step back into the political arena.
I owe it to my Mom and Dad, who live so strongly in my heart.
Mostly, if you don’t mind me saying, I owe it to myself. Public life and media are both noble callings. My job now, over the next week, is to decide how best to serve.
There are a lot of families in BC that want to feel good about the future. To feel proud of the place they live.
I believe that BC’s best days are ahead of us, and I want to help make that happen – just like you do.
The question for me is how best can I contribute to that.
When I’ve made up my mind, I will let you know first. Our audience is like my second family – and family, for me, always comes first.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for talking to me. This is Christy Clark. Bye for now.
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