OK first let’s get the full disclosure out of the way. I volunteer for an orgazniation called ArtsVote Calgary which seeks to ensure arts and culture are an important part of the discussion in the lead up to the municipal election and beyond.
This morning a crew of volunteers from ArtsVote appeared on Breakfast Television to ask Barb Higgins pointed questions about the arts in this city and what her positions are. I was supposed to be there but man that show is on early. I’m sorry I missed it.
Here’s one of the questions as an example:
"In your arts culture and sports platform you talk about creating arts incubator spaces in vacant City properties and the construction of the new Central Library both of which are important to Calgary’s cultural fabric. However in both cases you point to the private sector to provide funding for these initiatives essentially putting the onus on corporate Calgary to make them a reality. What in your opinion is the role of municipal government in supporting arts and culture in a thriving city?"
After this segment Higgins was interviewed by the cantankerous Mike McCourt. Things did not go well but you can read about that here . You can watch the video yourself here .
What happened off screen is just as interesting though.
Higgins approached the ArtsVote crew after storming off from the McCourt interview and said (in a not so graceful tone): "Who shit in everyone’s cornflakes this morning?" according to those who were there. She went on to say that people should learn to treat others like human beings.
There is some naive truth to that. Yes we should all treat each other with respect but the questions asked by ArtsVote were hardly personal attacks against Higgins. They were directed at serious policy questions regarding the arts in Calgary.
When you decide to run for office you open yourself to hard questions and have to expect harsh treatment from time to time. You need to have thick skin. You have to be able to handle a council that can sometimes be hostile and tough. If you have a bad interview you certainly don’t turn on a group of engaged citizens that weren’t responsible for getting under your skin. You should also be able to defend your ideas without getting angry about it.
Early in the election former mayoral candidate Kent Hehr was quoted in the Calgary Herald speaking to Wildrose MLA Rob Anderson saying:
"Between me and you . . . I don’t know if Barb has that much of the stuff if you know what I’m saying . . . I think she’s a very nice person but you know what I feel sad about is that I think if she actually gets the job she’ll . . . hate it. You know what I’m saying?"
"She’s used to people being nice to her all the time. Guys like me and you have been yelled at our entire lives. We kind of like it."
Speaking later with the Calgary Herald Hehr added: "If you don’t think that happens in this business you’re kidding yourself. Anyone who hasn’t served as an elected official doesn’t know what they’re getting into." You can read the full article here .
Perhaps Hehr was right. It was a bad morning for Higgins. Mayors need to be able to handle the heat and maintain composure even when people aren’t being nice.
****Update**** For a personal account of the incident go here .
