Elections, whether they be municipal, provincial or federal, are nearly always exciting. The Oct. 21 municipal elections are important and I would advise all citizens to take an interest in the election in Okotoks, Turner Valley, Black Diamond, Longview and the Municipal District of Foothills and vote. Why? Because the candidates elected will, through their decision-making, impact the future of our towns and municipal district.
Unfortunately, and as often seems the case, there are those who believe in their own authority on subject matter, and consequently feel that they, and only they, have many or all of the answers. I would be suspicious of anyone who purports only by his own word to be an authority and argue they have covered “all of the bases”, but really have not conducted any concrete research into an issue. Therefore, they only have a cursory appreciation of the problem and its aspects. It constitutes a substantial disservice to the electorate to publicize a personal philosophy as empirical reality.
For example, I read an open letter in the current edition of the newspaper which suggested the current mayor of Okotoks and three town councillors (one of whom is again standing for office, and two others who are not running for re-election), are better and more qualified than the other incumbents, and certain new candidates are better than the others. To that I would counter, but by what means or measure is the letter’s author so sure of his assertion? Simply by virtue of those named incumbents having voted for another study regarding options for dealing with the Town’s water supply problem? A problem that already existed over three years ago when the current council came to office? Or is it because the author received 1,300 votes when he ran for council in the last election? Or perhaps it’s based on the conclusions of one consultant, with apparently no input from either the federal or provincial governments as to the scope of the problem and their perspectives on how to move forward in solving it?
Being on council may make one experienced, but means nothing if those same people have not achieved positive results, in spite of the efforts of some councillors to make informed decisions and move ahead to get things done.
To denigrate either incumbent councillors’ records or new candidates’ abilities simply because one doesn’t know them, lacks an opinion of them, or personally doubts their sincerity in representing an electorate while holding public office is not fair, not right, and disrespects the voting public. Especially if clothing such denigration as fact.
Oftentimes, in life, a wise person moves ahead by substantive action and meaningful accomplishment, and often without having to say so, whilst a fool usually stands still, advertising professed knowledge and producing little or nothing in the end.
With regards the written assertion some incumbents are better choices; compare their election promises from the previous campaign to their performance over the last council term. For example, promising a field house would be built in Okotoks when in fact it is under construction near Aldersyde; their vow to keep the population cap and their subsequent vote to lift it; and the allegation a water pipeline from Calgary would cost the Town of Okotoks some $50 million.
Ideally, those who endeavour to serve in elected pubic office should be able to administer and attend to the needs and future goals of the people they represent. They need to be able to have the ability to view the parameters for balanced growth, make decisions and explain them, and justify it is a right and prudent thing to do and their decisions will benefit everyone. In selecting your preferred candidates, you as the electorate have the privilege to choose those persons who represent you, along with the duty to exercise your own good judgment and the right to follow your own opinions and beliefs in doing so.
On election day please turn out to vote and please vote for the candidates of your choice, and those who you select will serve with a clear conscience, not be influenced by hype, but will make solid, intelligent and good decisions.
Remember, you the electorate, should not be swayed by others but make your own choices. To cast a vote on election day is a right and privilege of all Canadians.
