BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS!
As we get closer to this autumn’s municipal election, in Gravenhurst, we can expect a goodly amount of political friendships we didn’t ask for, want, or need. The citizens, who really only have a " friendship window" of about six or so months, when candidates for local council make themselves appear "taxpayer friendly," are bombarded with "vote for me" diatribes from new and present council members. About two minutes after their acceptance handshakes, on election night, councillors and the new mayor, go back to being the aloof folks who take the victory as proof of their own superiority, to the rest of human-kind. They huddle around the council table and manifest their own force-field, that will keep them strong, by number and officialdom, until the next election.
Well, I’m not really a willing recipient of the propaganda, and most local officials who know of my poison pen, make the sign of the cross when they see me coming, and just hope to God I won’t take them to task. Some get away, that’s true. If I let them off that is! I’ve only opted for the mercy rule a few times in the past several years. I might be an objectionable bastard but I know how to deal with those who wish to trod on my citizen rights....or my neighborhood’s right to their beautiful green belt, The Bog,.....which was very nearly snatched up by a greedy council, looking to raise money to fund their own over indulgences. So I don’t have to worry too much about the outstretched hands of hopeful municipal candidates. New candidates? I’m always pleased to meet those who plan on being different from the rest. Ones who won’t forget who employs them once they become elected. Believe me, as an astute municipal watcher, I haven’t found many rookie councillors who didn’t eventually join the rest of the gang......who conveniently turn away from accountability to the life and leisure of old bumps on a log, finding it overly convenient to nod and wink than oppose and rant.
I will never be influenced by sudden conscience on the part of someone wishing me to vote for them.......promising accountability and transparency when you know damn well, they couldn’t care less about commitment for the effort to get one measly vote. I’m far more interested in talking to a candidate who takes a critical approach to life and times, and doesn’t get complacent, or join the old gang out of intimidation, or general lethargy, to stand up and object on the taxpayer’s behalf when morally and factually merited. There are far too few voices of objection these days, and that is undemocratic for the taxpayer, who knows the issues on the table absolutely require greater and more investigative examination, and a critical approach that makes sure consequences and policy direction is consistent.
I want a political hopeful to understand what the "domino effect" means. Not at play. In the real world. When you make a decision without knowing full well, that it threatens the stability of something else. I have followed many of these decisions that I knew would cause a serious and long term domino effect, yet it appears council can’t ever admit they goofed.....even at election time when they want our vote once again.
It’s a smoke and mirrors game, and those present council members, seeking re-election, will do everything in their power to deflect away from council decisions of the past, and perceived slights to taxpayers over the past four years. Truth is, they seem to be able to do this, and for one reason. Most taxpayers have simply, and with some justification, given up getting a totally responsible town council, and have to suffer through a lack lustre talent pool, because the best folks suited to the job, are too jaded about politics to give it a go. Can you blame them? Instead of the wise and accomplished business leaders running for local office, we get the grandstanders who can’t contain their enthusiasm for change and transparency, progress and money-making at every level......prosperity for all, they claim, and one might expect to have streets paved with gold, if only they were given the majority vote.
Don’t be fooled by the pomposity of glad-handers, who want you to believe in their vision for our town. What seems to be the norm, is the candidates’ personal need to win a popularity contest, and as far as running a municipality in a responsible, cost efficient manner,...."yea, well we’ll get to that when we’re finished patting ourselves on the back for fooling the electorate once again."
Running our town from the local government level now is a critical concern. We are in a precarious financial position, with many, many serious concerns facing the business community that frankly are not being addressed. And while it has been a prickly affair, aligning all the vested interests in this town, the failure to do so is obvious today with main street vacancies......which is certainly in part due to the failure to truly appreciate the domino effect of de-centralization of the traditional and historic business hub.....our mainstreet. The failure to take this seriously, and co-ordinate a task force to help find solutions, determines that the only fix is that of time and ever falling dominos, until none are left to topple.
I get angry at this time of year because I don’t make promises I can’t keep. That’s my tradition. And when I come upon the effervescent promise-makers who want my vote, well, I inform them without hesitation......that I can live without promises, but I can not tolerate a shortfall in sensibility, responsibility, open-mindedness, and willingness to entertain all sides of an argument......and never, never following the herd because it’s easier than defending an opposition point of view.
Meet every glad hand out there this election season, with a rigorous shake back......and a retort or two about the meaning of responsible government, and the folly of undemocratic behaviour.