Uncorked: Time to flip the hourglass?
Time away from work carries a cost. Is it any wonder that most councillors are pensioners? Photo: Supplied.
What word comes to mind when you think of Marlborough councillors?
If the word is “senior”, “retiree”, “grey” … or some other synonym for “mature”, “well-ripened”, or “just plain old” … you might find what follows will pique your interest.
If your word is something entirely different … well, please read along anyway!
The California city I departed last August has a history of youthful councillors. Every decade or so for a half-century or so, Chicoans (as Chico residents are known) have voted someone in their 20s onto council for at least one four-year term.
Four years ago, a middle-class district (think ward, but residency required) elected a 27-year-old to join six councillors double his age, give or take. Two years later, a working-class district elected a 29-year-old, and the university district elected a 23-year-old (whose opponent was 22).
There, like here, council is not considered a full-time job. Compensation is $22,800 a year – $38,000 NZ – plus health insurance. The stipend was $7,200 – $12,000 NZ – until 2023, between the elections, when a push to broaden participation yielded the raise.
Councillors here make about a third more. They also meet during the workday. Chico councillors meet in the evening. If closed session (public excluded) is scheduled for 5pm, they get dinner.
Time away from work, whether as an employee or an owner, carries a cost. Is it any wonder that most councillors are pensioners? A side gig can be the only gig for someone without another gig.
I cast no aspersions on councillors rich in life experience. (“Seasoned”? “Vintage”? “Venerable”?)
If, though, Marlburians see value in expanding multigenerational governance, perhaps succession planning could incorporate a clock.
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