After a so-so spring and summer we can now look forward to a long and balmy fall, a bountiful harvest and the opportunity to take part in an exciting and rather historic municipal election campaign.
On Monday, Oct. 2 citizens 18 years of age and over are urged to exercise their democratic rights to cast their ballots for those men and women who, starting this year, are willing to serve as our mayors, reeves, councillors and school board trustees for a term of four years,
The right of all Canadian citizens to vote is vitally important. Our choice of councillors will always take us into an exciting and often precarious and challenging future, so it is extremely important every eligible citizen makes every effort to get out and involved in this simple and crucial procedure. It only comes around every four years and takes only a few moments of our valuable time to get down to the polls and cast your ballots but will certainly leave a long and lasting impression in the growth and successes of the most special place that we are so proud to call home.
We should all get out and vote because we care about our children, our neighbourhoods, our health and safety, our infrastructure, our taxes, in the facilities and areas where we work, learn, shop, and play and in the planning, growth and progress that makes our town and county a special and friendly place to live and to raise a family.
On the other side of this ongoing formula for success for all municipalities, large or small, is the opportunity for taxpayers to serve as one of those leaders who will take us in the direction where we want our community to go into the future, then to support and encourage each other along the way. As a former Ponoka town councillor for nine years, I will assure you it is not a walk in the park or a fast way to get rich. It is indeed a special experience and an honour to represent the vibrant citizens of your home town and county, and to work alongside a dedicated team of councillors, town staff, committees, and active community and district organizations. Yes, there will be meetings, phone calls, ribbon cuttings and public events, as well as lots of questions from taxpayers, challenges and important decisions to make around that big council table but resources and assistance is always available.
As a local politician you realize quickly it is impossible to please everyone, as there will always be those who don’t always agree with new projects and policies, while others are still living in the past and are reluctant to face changes. On the other hand, while serving on your town or county council you will always be a part of ongoing successes, and you will receive a great deal of support and encouragement for your efforts as well as being able to share valuable ideas and opinions with fellow councillors and administration, as well as connect with the citizens of your community.
I just can’t wait to see all those colorful election signs go up, to attend the always lively election forums around the town and county, to read the council candidates opinions and future plans in the Ponoka News, as well as enjoying all the great enthusiasm, wagers and coffee shop chatter that an election always creates. Over the next few weeks please chat with family, friends, and neighbours, and then consider the opportunity of serving your town or county division as a member of council for the next four years.
In preparation for the Oct. 21 municipal election, candidate’s information packages and information are now available at the Ponoka Town Hall or (www.ponoka.ca) or the Ponoka County office (www.ponokacounty.com). Bottom line, please join in on our election fever, possibly as a willing candidate but most definitely as an aggressive and interested citizen and voter, marking those ballots that will decide who will lead us into our most promising and always competitive future.
While the good old back to school shopping frenzy is now going strong, take a little time to enjoy the rest of summer, and have a great week, all of you!
— Hammertime