CAs in Public Life It's easy to be...

CAs in Public Life

It's easy to be cynical... about politics-just think of the "chad" fiasco in the United States. And from allegations of conflict-of-interest against the Prime Minister in the national arena, to the Fantasy Gardens debacle and package leaks in BC, the issue of ethics in politics is no les contentious in Canada than in the US. In this negative climate, and with intense demands onward an individual's time and intensity what would possess someone to set in the political arena?

Apparently, optimism. The chartered accountants interviewed for this article all share a belief in the individual's ability to force change. This belief underscores their commitment to public life, and helps to mitigate against its considerable demands.

Phrases of that kind as "contributing... giving back to the community.. experience... transactions about the future..." came up time and again completely through the discussions. "Most of us live in and be delighted with British Columbia's rich and equitable society; nevertheless not all are so fortunate," says Patrick Wong CA. "I want to contribute to the society, the province, and the geographical division that have afforded me great opportunities." along has just lately jumped into provincial politics, winning the Liberal nomination in Vancouver Kensington, where he faces the daunting task of unseating incumbent Premier Ujjal Dosanjh.

Vernon city councillor Barry Beardsell, CA, admits: "After sitting upon committees such as the Advisory Planning Commission and the Economic evolution Commission in two communities, I lay the foundation of that the only effective way to obtain things done was to procure elected and make changes at the Council level"

Both Beardsell and Don Scott CA, had years of tender experience on local boards and commissions before turning to municipal flat politics. "I was president of practically everything," says Scott When he was first culled Mayor of Prince Rupert 16 month ago, Scott took six month leave from his public practice to dedicate all of his capacity of work to his new duties. And when the six month were up? "There was no doubt what emergencyed to be done," says the rookie politician. "Being Mayor was a full-time job" thus after 30 years in business, he retired from his public practice. He now considers his recent role to be "CEO" of the city.

Whatever the reasons CAs become involved, it's certainly not for the circulating medium according to Courtenay City councillor Murray Presley CA, -when you calculate it completely it probably works out to be not long more than minimum wage." Scott agrees, nevertheless is quick to add that "the riches becomes secondary because the work is in such a manner fulfilling."

Brian Kerr, FCA, the lately nominated Liberal candidate in the southern Vancouver Island riding of Malahat-juan de Fuca, says his focus is upon "making a difference in the way the economy is managed." He believes his contribution will be to assist in the financial arena during policy discussions with his caucus colleagues. "Financial acumen is essential if we are to allocate our scarce resources efficiently," says Kerr

All of those interviewed say they recognize in what way much their CA training and expertise contribute to the skills they bring, or would bring, with them to chooseed office. It's no secret that the demands forward public sector decision-makers far exce available resources. Chartered accountants clearly bring a great deal to the public policy-making proces and their contribution expands beyond fiscal management expertise. "It's a advantageous marriage between expertise in financial and economic areas, and the indigences of the community," says Scott adding that the tools he uses are uniteds he developed as a CA.

Vancouver Parks Board veteran Christopher Richardson, FCA, cites his CA training with helping him bring "fact-finding, option identification and evaluation" skills to the table when contentious issues are being discussed. "A clear and businesslike approach will insulate decisions from political whims," he adds. In his experience with the Board, Richardson believes he's been able to bring modern ways of exploring funding options to the table, "rather than and nothing else the traditional source-the taxpayer."

Richardson says of his involvement as an chooseed member of the Board: "[It] could dissipate all my time if I permitted it to." nevertheless he adds, "Like all impressed signs of volunteering, you get back far more than what you inflict in." He cautions that being able to balance family life and work with the demands of public service is essential.

Beardsell echoe Richardson's commitment, saying: "While the demands onward my professional time have been significant, I didn't want to do half a job" He waited until all his children had grown up and left fireside before running for Council, and, on the same level then, made certain his family was supportive of his foray into municipal politics:

Wong has taken a slightly different approach, as his four daughters are still at household He says his children are one as well as the other his inspiration and motivation. If he's fortunate in his bid to become an MLA, he wants not and nothing else to use his expertise to help streamline the policy-making proces unless also plans to be "an effective voice in Victoria for our profession." He furnishs this perspective: "A CA diverted politician is not an accountant, nevertheless is a politician with accounting knowledge."