Why we vote
An election has begun and already the games begin! You might naturally think that I refer to the exploits of our southern neighbours, but I do not. I am speaking of the Nova Scotia municipal elections due this October.
Oh yes! I know that most will not participate and that many claim virtuous reasons for not doing so. On the last occasion when asked to vote only about 20 per cent of Kings County voters attended the polls. This failure to act does not prevent people criticizing the local government, however. I am unable to accept that it is legitimate to know that things are wrong and not to act to try to make them better.
Failing to vote is not a form of protest; it allows politicians to be largely unanswerable. I have been told by politicians that those who don’t vote literally don’t feature in their considerations! There is much reason to be dissatisfied with how things are. Do something about it! Watch your councils and those elected to serve you. Choose wisely and seek to ensure those running are competent, honest, responsible people with a clear interest in the community.
It is great if you get to meet them personally but as someone who has gone from doorto- door please understand that it is hard and thankless work. Doing this I have been held personally accountable for all government decisions, told that “all of you politicians are thieves!” and treated like an unpleasant odour! If you offer yourself as a candidate you will be treated the same and will have to be tough to endure the process, especially when you are attacked for seeking to do good.
I would prefer to believe that most people run for the right reasons but please look for character and proven ability along with accomplishment in your candidates and not just that you vaguely know them. That’s nice …but there is an old adage “trust but verify” which is well remembered. Past conduct is as important as it is a good indicator of how they will act in the future. We must make this a better place not just for ourselves and our children but also for future generations.
I am an unabashed huckster for Nova Scotia and I will make no apology for that. Put short, I have a deep and abiding love and appreciation for my home and the people who live here. Why this is so is simple. We live in a place where kindness is still practiced and where we still try to help one another. Our valley is a safe place and already very good. Some of us simply want to strive to make it even better. If you think change is needed and that you want to help please consider running. Democracy requires our active participation and this also allows your voice to be heard. I will be running to seek office (contrary to a rumour spread by a potential opponent, ( see reference to “games” above) as the first mayor of Kings County because l don’t believe we can wait for the country or the province to help us. Those things which we control must be better done by us ourselves.
*Most importantly I will be running and voting because others have given their lives so that I might do so which should be a big enough reason for anyone.
PS: I have not yet been asked to kiss any babies!