THE HOME STRETCH - WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOCAL CANDIDATES

There could be a plethora of interesting theatrics, some sign waving, political yodeling from the more enthusiastic candidates but generally, I think, the hoopla has pooped out. Unless a donnybrook breaks out at the all-candidates’ meeting, which I’d kind of like to see, there’s not a lot of excitement out there on the hustings. It’s not that there’s not some fire within, it’s that there are few forums that allow for the free-flow of opinions. The all-candidates meeting is kept under strict management and most candidates seem to like having parameters, like mounting outriggers on the old canoe to avoid tipping. The problem is, without a full fledged election debate, we can’t clearly witness how the candidates handle adversity. It’s one thing to impose council protocol, at town hall, but the forums are the chance to let it all hang out. In Gravenhurst’s case, there’s not much to hang out, and unless something wild and wacky occurs, it will be the typical paint-drying vigil, with candidates pouring out their souls, about how honest, trustworthy and hardworking they’ve been all their blessed lives. After they finish their diatribe, one might suspect these folks have never been constipated in their lives, it’s been so perfect, congenial, and well, also on the plus side, irregularity free.

What needs to be witnessed, by the voters, without question, is how a candidate on the hot-seat, makes a sensible argument, counter-point, or solid defense, in a rigorous debate; keeping composure, and being able to match counterpoint with a jab, a right hook, and a roundhouse, that convinces us this individual has true grit. We’ve had enough “lumps on logs” thank you very much. Now we need the fighters who don’t mind a verbal scuffle to get the job done. A pleasant debate? I’ve seen this turn real bad for constituents. Pleasant debates don’t often make the news pages in the local press. That’s where we find out what’s going on with our elected representatives and council issues. I hope this isn’t what we’re going to get for the next four years. Pleasant debate! We need sand in the ointment. A bee in the proverbial bonnet. Anything to ensure that there’s critical debate, not just friendly resolution, to what we know better as profoundly difficult decisions. As for being intimidated by other candidates, come to my office for a free tutorial, and you’ll be bullied no longer.

I’ve scrunched up a lot of pamphlets this week, finding nary a one that would generate a smidgeon of my support. Phone me. Don’t shirk responsibility. You’ve all had plenty of time to meet and greet your constituents personally. Mailing this ridiculous propaganda is a waste of money, and an annoyance to those who have to haul them to recycling.

Got a message, extend it in person. If you’re nervous of doing this, drop out of the council race now. Extend your vote support to some other candidate, who loves to mix-it up.

While some will believe my advice harsh and blunt, and a little insensitive, a few who know me better, will appreciate, “Ted must know what he’s writing about.....that nose didn’t get broken all those times by itself!” This council session will be particularly intrusive into a number of areas of past business, with what I predict will be greater forensic interest in budgets past and present. Re-elected councillors may find this retrospective potentially insulting to their previous voting on issues, and this will require considerable patience and some explanations, that obviously could prove uncomfortable. Get over it.