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Shypitka leaves divisiveness aside
Letter to the Editor
Elections come and go, but what matters between them is whether the people who step forward are prepared to serve.
Tom Shypitka didn’t ask me to write this, nor was it prompted by his campaign.
For as long as I’ve known him, Tom has been a core part of this community and someone willing to show up when it matters.
During my years working in federal politics, I had the opportunity to work with Tom in his role at the time as our MLA. It provided me with a front-row seat to something I already knew about him: there is an authenticity and sincerity to the way Tom serves. He genuinely cares about this community.
Tom’s public service has never been about holding a title. It’s about being useful to the people he represents. That commitment to service didn’t begin with elected office, and it didn’t end there.
I was heartened to see during the recent civic debate that all but one candidate chose to leave divisiveness aside, giving us a glimpse of what a functioning council might look like. It wasn’t a surprise to see Tom lead in this regard.
As someone who lives, works and plays in Cranbrook, I believe our city needs a mayor who understands that the job is ultimately about the people.
We need more good people willing to step forward into public life for the right reason: to serve. It takes courage to put your name on a ballot, accept the scrutiny and criticism that come with public life and still be willing to show up and do the work.
On behalf of the Bird family, I want to thank the members of the outgoing council who did exactly that. Thank you for showing up, not just for council meetings, but for the countless meetings, conversations, events and everyday moments most people never see that make our city better.
And to those who didn’t, thank you for making room for those who will.
Thirty years gives you a pretty good measure of a person. I know Tom’s character. I know his work ethic. And I know what this community means to him. He also brings something that matters at this moment: experience earned through years of public service.
Chris Bird,
Cranbrook
