Perspectives and frustrations.

One thing which I have said since the beginning of this campaign, is that the strength of council comes from the bredth of experience of the councillors. The current council has by my count 5 teachers and 4 businesspeople. These are valuable perspectives, but they are over-represented.

It should come as no surprise that the issues raised by these councillors during the election are also very similar. Jobs, taxes, and crime seem to be the only things being discussed. I know that jobs and crime are very important issues, but they are always going to be there for council to work on, and it is the responsibility of every council to ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently. So, other than the obvious, what are you planning on doing?

I want to see vision and leadership from my council. The discussion so far surrounding the low voter turnout last election, and political engagement seems to be centred on blaming the population. Public apathy is not the problem, it is a symptom of weak leadership. A well-run council will include direct and frequent effort to communicate with the people in the city in a meaningful way.

There has been a lot of negativity in this campaign. Part of that I see as frustration with the status quo, and part because it is easier for candidates to point out the flaws in their opponents than to step up with their own ideas. I would like to hear one honest and original idea from each candidate during this campaign. Some candidates aren't to be heard from at all, even with hollow platitudes. This mocks the democratic process.

To the candidates: Speak up!

To the voters: Listen up!

and to those who are dissatisfied with the entire process, you have four years until the next election: Step up!