Municipal restructuring as a good marriage

 “Valentine’s Day has got me in a soppy, romantic mood, and it is in this spirit that I offer these thoughts.I got married almost 30 years ago.

I’m a lucky man: I chose the kindest person I’ve ever met to be my wife, and though none of us can predict the future, it looks like we’ll be good for at least a few more years. If Ann were writing this blog, I hope she would say something similar. The years of courtship were special, and the energy and naivety of youth propelled us towards a memorable wedding in St. John’s where the Scottish and Newfoundland families met (and sang, danced, ate and drank together) for the first time. The whole episode from our first encounter (in a dental chair – hold the romance – “do you floss?”…. “I do”) to the wedding (in a spectacular Newfoundland church – bring on the romance – “do you take this woman”……”I do”) was a rollicking delight. We were lucky: we became partners slowly, checking each other out carefully, and really getting to understand each other’s needs before we made the momentous decision to spend the rest of our lives (or at least until February 20^th 2016) together. In our culture it is traditional for young (and not-so-young) people to choose their partners, while in others, arranged marriages are more the norm. I can’t imagine what it feels like to have someone else find your partner and dictate the timing, terms and nature of your betrothal, and although I know some cultures manage very nicely with such traditions, let me just say that I’m glad I got to choose.

I’d like to imagine that the process by which Prince Edward Island is going to restructure local government will be more one of mutual courtship, less arranged marriage.”