This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on February 2nd, 2010.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
FUSION is currently seeking Saint Johners interested in becoming a part of its government relations committee, which is being revitalized after a two-year hiatus.
“In past years, the government relations committee primarily focused on municipal, provincial and federal election engagement strategies, and since the last provincial election the committee has been inactive,” says FUSION board member and committee co-chairwoman Jane MacEachern.
The committee is non-partisan, and is reorganizing with the goal of establishing a network for Saint Johners who have a strong interest in public administration and the political process. Committee members will be working to keep the lines of communication between political parties and FUSION members open, and to find ways to create feedback among members, elected officials and government staffers.
“Right now we think of the committee is going through a bit of a renaissance, but we need the support and help of the community to rebuild our membership and help us define a role for the committee,” says committee co-chairman Eric Savoie. “We are also welcoming feedback and input from political parties and government officials on how we can work together. This needs to be a real partnership if it’s going to work.”
During past elections the committee co-hosted a Campaign on the Clock event with the Saint John Board of Trade, a type of political speed dating allowing Saint Johners an opportunity to meet and interact with all municipal candidates in one stop.
“Government relations extends well beyond elections, and to keep FUSION members engaged in the political and civic process we need to focus on more than just getting people out to vote,” Savoie said. “It’s equally important to have a sustained dialogue between our members and elected officials so they will be more aware of the challenges facing our community and identifying possible solutions.”
We are once again in a political election year, with the province going to the polls in September, so it is particularly timely that FUSION’s government relations committee has resurrected itself, since voter turnout continues to be an issue not only in New Brunswick, but across Canada. If the successes of past Campaign on the Clock events are any indication, Saint Johners are keen to know more about the people they will elect to represent them at each level of government.
The government relations committee will serve as a forum for members to become aware of, and involved, in the political process in our city and province, and will create a connection between members and the people and parties we elect to represent our best interests. This, in turn, will hopefully make people feel more connected to the political process, addressing the issue of voter apathy in our community.
FUSION’s government relations committee is currently seeking members and is planning its first meeting of 2010. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
