Everyone in Windsor will be happier once the election is over. Don't we all wish the incumbents would play by the rules? Aren't they the ones, as sitting Councillors, who preside over Windsor's administration to be sure the election will be fair? Did they read the rules or are they making it up as it goes? Becoming an engaged citizen should not be difficult!
Why am I ranting? Let me start from the beginning...
Getting good candidates to run for municipal offices is difficult. There are a thousand ways politics will creep into a private life and cause stress. Everything an elected representative does comes under fire. The position of elected City Councillor is NOT an easy job. It's a lot of work and it means upsetting many constituents, frequently.
Here's the rub... nobody is forced into taking the job! An individual CHOOSES to run for election. If one makes this CHOICE, follow the rules of the election. I specifically target this message to incumbents as they sit on council. They've been through an election. I expect all INCUMBENTS to know the rules.
This year, 2018, Windsor finally has a fantastic slate of candidates. Individuals willing to represent the people, the citizens of Windsor, rather than the legal entity The Corporation of the City of Windsor. It's wonderful! It's refreshing! It is time for change. I believe in the deepest parts of my soul, if we increase voter turnout, we'll have a more representative council!
I can advocate for the vote. I can talk most people into understanding the importance of the election and in particular, the power of their vote. It is hard to combat conspiracy theories and a loss of faith in our electoral system.
What's the cause of these things? Municipal politicians acting badly!!
To all Incumbents: are you so frightened of losing the election, you are willing to break the rules to win? Their behaviour says yes. So far, half have broken the sign rules. I've been trying desperately to get them to play fair but it doesn't seem to be a priority. Just like the systems they've created, everything is complaint driven. A couple offenders took my emails to heart, which included the offending sign and a copy of the rules, and moved their signs. (Another chose to change the rules, as ALL candidates can attest.) My biggest complaint is that I SHOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO ASK. Play by the rules!
If they can't play by rules they created, or they can't be bothered to learn the rules for which they have a responsibility, why should they get MY vote? Why should they get YOURS?
On October 22, ask yourself if you're happy with the city. If you tell yourself "YES", then go support the incumbent. But if you believe Windsor needs fresh voices to represent you and your concerns, VOTE for a challenger. Bring as many eligible voters to the polls and let's vote for a Council which will represent you and I.