How many of you know who your councillors are? Who is your local councillor? Who is you regional councillor? Why do we have two councillors per area? Do you care?

In the past I have campaigned for various people running for council. It was an eye opening experience for me. Shocking to say the least. As I went from door to door, I could not believe the ignorance and the indifference about or to local politics.

People did not know who their local representative was or that an election was even going on. They did not know how many councillors represented them or even cared. In general they did not care to vote because local politics means nothing. Local politicians can’t do anything so why bother voting? Some even said they wouldn’t vote because they didn’t like what’s going on. Talk about ignorance.

The candidates were no prizes either. They were more concerned with their precious signs being stolen or damaged, finding dirt to sling at their opponents, setting up “plants“ to ask loaded questions at all candidates meetings and getting their mug shots for the local papers. Some with connections to The Toronto Star, radio stations or TV stations got their names in the limelight, the thinking being that the more people see your name the more they are apt to recognize it on a voting ballot. The whole election was like a Jerry Springer Show. It wasn’t pretty.

Some Council members got elected because they worked hard. Some got elected because their name came first on the ballot. Some got elected because they had lots of signs up so their name was easily recognizable on the ballot. Some got elected because their opponent was publicly humiliated. Some got elected because they had a following of groupies who in turn had lots of friends. A few got elected because they were sincere.>{? A few citizens did make it a point of knowing who was running for Council. A few citizens did ask questions. A few did bother to exercise their right to vote. Too few!

The last election saw a total of just over 30% of the population in Caledon cast their vote. Of the entire population in Caledon it took only 15% to get the mayor elected. Shocking isn’t it?

Will you let others decide the fate of your community? I hope not. Take time to make yourselves aware of he issues. Make sure you know who is running for office, what their agenda is and whether they will truly represent you and your views. For the sake of this community don’t vote just because the person looks good in photo ops or their name is the only one you recognize or the candidate is a friend of a friend or just put an “x” anywhere because it really doesn’t matter who gets in, they are all the same. It does matter! The people that sit on Council make decision for you that will affect what happens in your community. Bottom line, they spend your tax dollars.

There’s a whole year between now and municipal election. There are many opportunities to become familiar with people running for Council. Read the local papers (if you are lucky enough to get one). Talk to your local councillors. Ask questions, speaking of which this website has a great opportunity to ask your local councillor or other Council members questions. A few of you have posted local concerns on the forum but are reluctant to ask Council members any questions on Wednesdays. It boggles my mind.

So you don’t like what’s happening at Council? What are you prepared to do about it? Will you let a few decide your communities fate because you think that being an ignorant coach potatoe is bliss? Be a well-informed voter. At election time, get off the couch and vote. It’s shameful that 15% voted our mayor into office last election.

Donna

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