Writing the next act

Welcome to Act III. What to expect? Excellent question. Think of this as interactive experience where you get to play a role in what comes next.

For those of you just joining, here’s quick recap.

Act I was nearly 15 years in journalism, which included hotspots like Kapuskasking, Timmins, Quesnel, Salmon Arm, Prince George, Chilliwack and Surrey. It was an incredible time, back when newspapers truly reflected the communities they served and the rush was to get it as right as possible without pressure to break it first. Flew with the Snowbirds, interviewed prime ministers and premiers, started a paper and just became a part of each town.

Then Act II was a foray into politics. Just before leaving Prince George, was dropping film off to be developed (that long ago, yes) and have the distinct recollection of telling Grant, the owner/operator, that the expectation was for the job to last max eight years. Was off by 12.

But what a ride.

And an honour.

Getting to serve the public in such a role, working with leaders like Premier Clark, Senator Denise Batters, Shirley Bond and a host of others, is an experience this boy from Barrie never expected to have. It was a constant journey.

Throughout it all, I’ve always said political jobs are not for life – they are for a time, they will prepare you for just about anything. Vivid is the memory of telling a friend after 2013 it was time to move on and then I didn’t. I stayed. Then was almost out in 2017 till Rich Coleman dragged me back in. Now it’s time to put those skills to use in a new forum.

I’ve been lucky – been both a firefighter and a roadbuilder in this phase of my career. Dealing with issues and also communicating policy, each have their own unique high. Six years in the premier’s office provided many examples of both. The bottom line in each, though, is the same: know want you stand for and work out from there.

Which brings us to the next act.

It’s definitely time for something new, but I don’t know what that means. So, as I still mostly think of myself as a writer, I will chronicle the journey. Over the past few years, you’ve joined me as I’ve altered my physical health, stayed with me for the inner reworkings and now you can be part of seeing what blossoms from all that work.

Take a resume, as an example. Do people still do them? Or do you just TikTok it? Found an old one but it was five pages in length, which seems long for today’s shorter attention span. Through some creative editing, have it down to one. Pretty, it’s not. Functional, yes. Which basically describes me.

So welcome along, expect occasional updates and you can be part of it but letting me know of any exciting opportunities. I’ll even send you copy of resume.