Thread by @bkives

Mayors of Canadian cities:

• Lots of responsibility, minimal powers
• Manage corporations where expense growth exceeds revenue growth
• All plans subject to whimsy of provincial govts
• Public expects performance, regardless

Few people aware of this would want the job.

The immense difficulty - some would say impossibility - of being a good mayor prevents qualified candidates from wanting the gig.

This is why idealists often run for office.

This is also why narcissists often run for office.

Mayor Bowman’s announcement today can be viewed as an honourable move.

He has given prospective mayoral candidates more than ample time to think about the job, put together an organization and unofficially campaign behind the scenes.

Bowman also evens the playing field for city hall outsiders.

Sitting city councillors who may have mayoral ambitions, such as Coun. Kevin Klein, have less of an advantage when other prospective candidates have so much time to prepare and meet people, virtually or otherwise.

But this does not mean qualified candidates will run.

Again, it’s a very difficult job that usually takes an immense personal and professional toll.

So while Winnipeggers muse about who could be a good mayor, they may wish to consider a grim possibility:

All the city can hope for, realistically, is someone competent who is willing to put in the work at the expense of their own well-being.

Have a nice weekend.

-30-