We’re all busy.
From young parents to seniors, from students to workers, all of us have much to accomplish in any given week. But, as we suggested a short time ago, there is a change in attitude across much of Wellington County when it comes to local and county business.
If questioned a year ago, average citizens on the street would have been hard pressed to believe the extent of election contests that have emerged in their communities. Things seemed to have been going along okay in most towns and townships, but along the way, a feeling of unease has surfaced.
Further to this unease, which is rooted in uncertainty about the economy and people’s jobs, is a perception that politicians and the hired staff have things far too good. Salaries and wages continue to dominate the annual obligations of most councils, and words like “fat cats” slip off of tongues too regularly to be dismissed as petty jealousy. People are concerned.
The present pay scales for councillors and mayors alike make the job appealing as an employment opportunity versus the honourarium concept of the past, where public office was a perceived duty recognized in a humble way. Recognizing the ample pay involved at the county level, it is mysterious that numerous county ward nominees were elected by acclamation, meaning no competition – and no election. That is not a necessarily healthy situation for county politics for it will be the same tired eyes with the same tired reaction to problems confronting the upper tier of local government. But as the old adage goes, we get the government we deserve.
Readers will note the size of this week’s Advertiser. Thanks to the majority of candidates and our reporting staff who worked extra hard to assemble candidate profiles, there is some very worthwhile reading for all townships in Wellington County. The school board nominees are also featured in detail. Perhaps a comment or two will resonate with voters, or cause more questions. All of that is good.
We have a further challenge to readers. As you interact with candidates and try to make the best choice for the next four years – challenge their promises.
Promises of tax relief run the gamut, but, we have never seen a meaningful reduction in taxes. In order to achieve that, programs and costs would need to be trimmed and few voters have the stomach for that kind of change.
Promises to eliminate staff and streamline operations rarely happen. It is important that voters attracted to that particular type of promise, understand that many times, poorly executed staff rationalization plans can be very, very costly.
There are many more promises that can be offered, from a paved road to new programs. Voters need to remember that a majority of council is required to make such things happen and many a new politician will bemoan trying for change and being outvoted. It can be frustrating – for newcomers in particular.
A final point we hope will be considered is putting together a team of people with different strengths to allow for the effective governance of our individual towns and townships, as well as county council. Mavericks are great, and make great copy, but when their actions fail to accomplish anything, everyone’s time is wasted. Debaters too, offer great oratory, but if they can’t put aside an argument, who wins? Certainly it is the electorate that loses.
As we embark on the second four-year council term, we hope voters pay attention and offer support to candidates who are serving or who have the prospect to serve well.
Four years is too long to wing it. Some thought needs to go into giving each community a fighting chance to better itself and the lives of its residents.
