It's hard to believe that it's been nearly three years since the Burnaby Citizens' Association took every seat on both school board and city council, bumping off the last of its opposition.
But the calendar - and recent announcements from local political groups - can't be wrong.
In November 2008, Mayor Derek Corrigan and his team swept back into power, not just in the majority they'd previously held, but in a full sweep of seats. But their three years is nearly up, and, come November, we'll be heading to the polls again.
We'd guess that more than one would-be candidate is spending their summer holidays drafting up some good election speeches and rounding up supporters.
There's no doubt the city has received significant accolades in recent years, and there's no doubt that a unanimous council is an efficient council.
When everyone at the table agrees, save for the occassional token 'nay' vote, the process of running a city is no doubt smoother, faster and more agreeable to those involved. But smooth, speedy and friendly does not necessarily equal healthy, representative and diverse.
With politically opposed members sharing the council table, there's bound to be plenty of arguing - some of it useless and pontificating, on both sides.
But opposition is nonetheless a vital and fundamental component of democracy, at all levels.
We've already had candidate announcements from TEAM Burnaby, as well as news of the creation of a brand new civic slate by members of Parents' Voice that would target Burnaby school board seats.
We don't believe in endorsing individual candidates or slates.
But we can - and always will - endorse diversity in government.
No one wants argument for the sake of argument, but dissent can provide fodder for healthy debate - and that has been in poor supply in Burnaby for the past three years.
