Feature Article July 4, 2003
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Out with the Old. In with the New?I realize it is not New Year's Eve, but between now and then Ontarians will politically ponder the above expression.
Let's start at the federal level. By New Year's Eve we will have a new federal leader; well, sort of. In November Paul Martin will almost certainly be voted leader by the PC's, but Jean Chrien plans to hang in there over the new year and earn his legacy. It will be interesting to see whom he rewards at the pork barrel for their support during the past four decades. Will there be more of his friends like Gagliano and Radwanski appointed to key government posts to further line their and their friends' pockets at taxpayers' expense? I muse that he may leave us a shameful legacy.
At the provincial level I muse about a government falling. The provincial PC's have cut the core out of education, health care, infrastructure and environment. After nearly a decade of applying their flaunted Common Sense Revolution, have they sealed their fate? Summer smog-stricken days, possible electrical brownouts, another crisis in health care and a deteriorating education system could bury them as deep as their cousins in the federal Conservative party.
Will a new government be any better when election promises are neglected after the campaigning? Will it honour the reduction of taxes (read bribes) lately implemented, or give the populace some credit for understanding the costs of running a semi socialist government? Will it clear up the scandals or make government more efficient? The recent history of new parties running our province does not necessarily mean better government. "Out with the old" seems to be the taxpayers' cry of frustration, but others preach, "Better the devil you know!"
In November we will be having our municipal elections and I wish that new candidates would soon start declaring themselves. A number of local incumbent councilors, reeves and mayors already have publicly stated they probably will not be running.
I would like to see local candidates declaring their intentions; I want to be knowledgeable about them. With local representatives I do not feel as hopeless as I do in electing federal and provincial politicians where political parties and vested interests pick and promote the candidates. If I don't know a municipal candidate well, I would like time to inquire from fellow citizens whether he or she has the intelligence, health, honesty, drive and dedication to govern us properly. Will she or he consider the needs of the majority rather than a narrow segment of our rural society? Will he or she be dedicated to good governing even though it may mean personal sacrifices of time and friendships?
One mayoralty candidate in North Frontenac has already declared himself with a paid advertisement in the Frontenac News and one councilor candidate has registered in North Frontenac. I appeal to all others to toss their hats in the ring and let us start evaluating. It is going to take the best we can muster to represent and defend us in this rural part of Ontario.
Ladies and gentlemen potential candidates, start you engines and let the race begin.
We need short and long term planners - get your platforms constructed.
We need imaginative thinkers - reveal your dreams.
We need hardy souls and healthy bodies - bare all for us.
We need you, and you need us!
