It’s an opportunity that comes along once every four years and it shouldn’t be missed.
The municipal election to decide who fills the mayor’s chair and councillors’ seats is rapidly approaching, and we believe the more input from residents, the better.
Whether you have concerns about policing, traffic, development or a host of other topics discussed with regularity in our local coffee shop or watering hole, the next six weeks leading up to the Oct. 20 election play a crucial role in our community’s future.
While most candidates have established a platform outlining their priorities, a few strategic questions that may have flown under the radar have been known to play a critical role in how the final results are tabulated.
If you haven’t given any thought to what questions you would ask the candidates, there’s still plenty of time to come up with a way to articulate what matters to you before the election. You will also provide a valuable service to your neighbours by forcing those seeking office to be clear about where they stand.
You could even take a few moments to formulate a few queries on topics of importance to you and phone the candidate in question, or email them, if that’s more convenient. The electronic version, although less personal, will provide a written record that may be useful if the need to hold someone’s feet to the fire arises in the future.
Facebook or social media platforms can even be a useful tool for this, as most candidates will have an online presence, and comments and questions can be posted for all to read.
And be prepared to speak your mind in a polite, forthright fashion if someone seeking office shows up at your door.
There’s a strong case to be made for the fact that every vote matters, and every question as well, especially at the municipal level. Local politics is where your voice will carry the most weight, and potentially make the biggest difference.
–Black Press
