SIR: The municipal election is less than two months away. The saying in political science is that “We get the government we deserve.” If we pay attention, define the issues that affect us, insist that candidates speak to those issues, and base our votes on those answers, we might get the government we want.
In most areas of our lives, the municipal government has the most effect. Sure, if the federal government takes us to war, or the provincial government cuts off funding, our lives are affected. But on a daily basis, we live in an environment that is a municipal creation. What do we want in that environment?
Jobs: Economic development – We want to be able to pay our keep, realize our potential, support our families, and make our community prosperous.
People: Attract and retain – Growing population brings vibrancy to the community, raises property values, increases tax revenues enabling community improvement, and brings in new talents and capabilities.
Health: Address chronic health issues – Chatham-Kent has very high incidence of heart disease, strokes, lung disease, and diabetes. We need to turn that around.
Environment: We have issues regarding air and water quality (air quality is among the worst in Canada, Lake Erie is in trouble again, and Lake St Clair suffers periodic toxic spills coming downriver), and of course tree cover.
Let’s ask our municipal candidates what strategies they propose to deal with these issues, what it will cost, and how long it will take. Candidates in all wards should have valid answers to these questions, as they apply equally in urban and rural wards.
Women comprise more than 50% of our population, but only three out of 18 councillors are female. Are the interests of women adequately represented?
Chatham-Kent wants to attract and keep young people here, but council is dominated by older people. Can they adequately take into account what quality of life will appeal to the younger set?
Of course being a woman and/or young aren’t qualifications in and of themselves for council, but there are some impressive candidates in both categories. Let’s give them fair consideration.
If you want to learn more about the candidates and their views, most candidates have, or will have, Facebook pages online. Generally, you can go to those pages by opening Facebook and entering the candidate’s name in the search box.
To join discussions of issues with candidates and fellow citizens, you can join the Facebook group Citizen Coalition. Open Facebook and enter the title of the group in the search box, then click the “Join” button on the upper right-hand side of the page.
This is a very important election for Chatham-Kent. Let’s do our best to get it right.
John Sigurjonsson
Chatham
