There is much to do this fall as election fever hits Ontario municipalities. Our editorial team has spent many hours setting up what we hope to be a valuable resource for readers wanting to make an educated choice.
It would appear from letters so far and conversations we have been involved in that change is the operative word this election. A restlessness exists that is hard to quantify, but it is nevertheless present.
Fears over increasing debt loads are being offered as reasons for change. In some circles, the incursion of debt by a council trying to drum up its share of a capital project like water or sewer upgrades or road and bridge improvements allows a cheap shot or two by new candidates about debt. For some projects, however, a debate should ensue about the choices councillors made.
Debt fears are exacerbated by tax bills that have not yet bottomed out. Increasing staff complements, rising wages, and capital projects that are more of the want variety than truly needed investments have many up-to-speed residents wondering about the management capabilities of councils over the hired help.
Again, meeting provincial policies and regulations is no easy feat and we empathize with incumbents forced to defend their actions when it comes to those costs foisted on them from above.
However, when it comes to keeping a lid on everyday operating costs and spending choices designed to ingratiate themselves with portions of the electorate, they are all on their own.
But we caution greatly against change for the sake of change. History is riddled with well intentioned folks sent packing through ballot box justice. More often than not, the replacement has been dubious at best and failed immensely to deliver the changes promised. So, with the help of readers and residents, we hope to see sweeping generalizations qualified. Promises of tax cuts and the like have a consequence for programming and service provision.
Change merchants should be pinned down on what changes they plan.
In this issue we are asking nominees to begin thinking about sending in some information we can publish for them. We hope to archive this information on-line once published, so as to keep a running tally on what has been said or promised. Week 1, once the nomination deadline has been met, we will feature a candidate profile on everyone running in this election who submits information to us.
With the size of Wellington County, its seven municipalities and school board districts, we are in for a very busy time. While the investment is sizeable, we see that as a greatly needed service to readers. Candidate and reader input are always valued and welcomed.
We will try our best to give optimal coverage.
