Politicians need to remember the folks who elect them

Now that Dr. Helena Jaczek is the new Oak Ridges-Markham MPP, the first thing on her agenda should be to take a crash course in being co-operative, respectful and nice to the media.
If I was Dr. Jaczek, I'd sneak Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees into the backroom and pick his brain. Not only does Mr. Klees understand the media, complete with its ever-present time constraints, he knows shooting the messenger can backfire and kick you square in the ass.
I would not for a minute underestimate Dr. Jaczek's intelligence. I'm not suggesting she ask Mr. Klees to share his brain cells. I'm simply asking my MPP to alter what appears to be a snobbish attitude.
Dr. Jaczek needs to be reminded she's now a servant of the people.
It's not the other way around.
Last night, York Region Media Group reporter Simone Joseph asked Dr. Jaczek about her Queen's Park plans. She responded she was "not in the mood for in-depth interviews".
A politician for about five minutes, she then pivoted and walked away.
How's that for thumbing your nose at the public?
The fact our team had about one hour after the polls closed to produce seven newspapers as well as keeping our website up to date is something Dr. Jaczek should have known and understood.
I'm sure Mr. Klees would be happy to teach Dr. Jaczek that if you snub the media, you're snubbing the public.
To all the winners in last night's election, congratulations. To all the losers, you did your very best.
Everyone should take a bow.

Comments

[T.Green]

I was very sad to learn that the Tory candidate Guyani Weerasinghe in my riding Vaughan believes there was racism in this election. I didn't vote for her and it had nothing to do with race, or intolerance. Please don't tarnish Vaughan's reputation with this stuff!

[Pam Mac Donald]

So Dr. Helena Jaczek didn't play nice with the media. Maybe she was just exhausted after knocking on more than 14,000 doors. I have always found Dr. Jaczek to be one of those candidates who always returns email and phone calls, usually doing it herself. Of course, no one can touch Frank Klees and his team when it comes to getting the message out.