A Politician’s Wife

This is not something I talk about often. I like to keep my work blog about work but it is election time and I find myself with something to say. That is because this time around it isn’t about my family. My husband ran for office first provincially and then municipally. Since 2012 it feels like we have been knocking on doors, juggling childcare and asking for money. This is the first election that we have been able to sit out.

It is strange because I kind of miss the drama. It is like a St. Albert version of the House of Cards, except without the murder, scandal, or Robin Wright. I see the sign wars happening. I see the bantering back and forth during the forums. I miss running all over our city with pamphlets playing the game of find the mailbox. It is easy in the newer neighborhoods but walk around Grandin for a while and you will see that people are pretty creative. I walked through more than one house there that made me feel like Alice in Wonderland looking for the rabbit. One house in Lacombe had a wee door attached to a huge tree that looks like a leprechaun must live there. I was tempted to leave him a pamphlet. After all any informed voter is a good one.

I also found interpreting mailbox signs an interesting game of perspective.  Does “No Junk Mail” mean no political flyers? We have a “No Junk Mail” sign but I would be annoyed if I didn’t get information on the candidates.  Does “No Soliciting” mean that I just shouldn’t knock on the door or does that mean they don’t want the flyer either?  Some signs are crystal clear. One sign in Heritage Lakes made a list: “No Junk Mail, No Soliciting, No Papers, No Religious Groups, No anything of any kind.”  I found it funny that there was a pretty “Welcome” sign over the door. I most definitely did not feel welcome. In fact I was pretty sure there was a troll hiding under the steps.

Volunteering for an election is hard work. You never know if someone is going to be pleasant, encouraging, dismissive, or aggressive. One of the things that I learned while supporting my husband is that politicians aren’t the slimy, money grubbing people that often get portrayed in our culture. In my experience even the people of which I share very little with politically are generally well-meaning, respectful human beings. Of course there are bad apples in every profession.

Being the wife of a politician is difficult at times. People say awful things about your partner. Many of which are blatantly untrue. Internet trolls are especially vicious. The reality is that we signed up for that. We signed up for the part-time paycheque, we signed up for the odd hours and we signed up for the ridicule. We knew it would happen and generally I am okay with it. That said I did get angry when my daughter came home upset because a student told her how the government ruins everything.

We also signed up for the joy of making changes. We signed up for the thrill of taking part and being present. I have lived in this city most of my life and I had no idea some of the things that this community does. If you haven’t gone to see the St. Albert Theatre Troupe do a performance you really should. We were there when the audience was filled with seniors from a seniors residence and I couldn’t decide what I enjoyed more: the play or how the elderly woman we were sitting with cackled every time someone mentioned sex. Also if you haven’t gone to the Art Gallery you are missing out. We have some incredibly talented artists in our community. There is so much more to this city than pot holes, train whistles and financial audits. I am immensely proud of this place.

I have been told several times and in different ways that I should be quiet and not have a political opinion because I am the wife. There is wisdom in this advice. People often think that a spouse’s behavior reflects on the politician. Or that being vocal could get my husband into a predicament with his colleagues. These are likely real dangers but the notion that my opinion should be withheld though strikes me as insanely sexist and dismissive. I am a voter too. Good thing my husband does not expect nor desire for me to shut up.

On the sidelines this election it is easier to see the big picture. I see five candidates in my riding and six in the Spruce Grove riding putting themselves out there. They are working their tails off to give you a choice. Some are nervous and inexperienced, others well polished and comfortable in the spotlight. All are trying their best. You may not agree with them or their political party but I guarantee you that none of them is out there trying to intentionally screw you over.

To the candidates: Thank you for your sacrifices. Our society cannot function without people putting their names and reputations on the line. You are brave. It isn’t easy to put yourself out there. For most of you there will be disappointment. Try not to equate that to who you are. We are lucky that there are people like you in our community.

To the families: Thank you for your sacrifices. You too are no doubt working long days. It is a long four weeks. It is almost over. The reality is that for most of you the defeat will be hard to watch and the sacrifice will be hard to swallow given the results. I assure you it is worth it, regardless of the outcome. Your partners are doing good work. This is a time they will never forget. Be proud of them.

To the rest of us: It isn’t often we get to have our collective say. The candidates are listening or at least should be. Talk, ask questions, get informed and vote. They deserve that much for their efforts.

And for goodness sake, put some clothes on before you answer the door.