It is entirely possible there are more than a few contemplating that question with this year a local body election year.
It's a nice thought, being an elected public figure. You are a significant representative of your locality and you holdits future in your hands, based on your life experience, your common sense, your skills and your motivations.
I have some thoughts on what makes a good councillor, as an editor and journalist who has experienced councils across the Wellington region. I have seen both ends of the spectrum, from exceptional, skilful people to arrogant, self-important time-wasters, and from people who are genuine and sincere to people who are simply inert.
Firstly, you can never, ever be average. Actually, that's my philosophy on life, pretty much, but it certainly holds true for public office. The whole idea that, in a free country, anyone can be Prime Minister, well, that's just a metaphor for democracy. It's not true in reality. To be a prime minister is to be exceptional. That filters down to local authority. You should not stand for local government if you consider yourself to be an ordinary person. No one's that interested in the "common touch". They like it when they see it, but what they really want is the talent.
Secondly, you have to have a very good idea of what is right for your community - and you have to argue for what is right. You must contribute. That means you listen to people, but you also listen to yourself. At council meetings, step up and discuss a project. I have seen councillors make headlines because they do not believe in the course the council is taking and say so. It has not done them any harm. Conversely, I've seen councillors on the other side of the hill who simply enjoy winning arguments. In the end, the public votes them out because they served their egos, not the ratepayers.
And thirdly, you have to work hard at it. You have to do your homework. Understand what's put in front of you. The public is relying on you to do just that.
