What do you want in a Councillor?

As advertised, I am sticking with the  plan to keep these posts short, sweet, and to the point as we wait for the Burlington municipal election races to gain momentum with the average voter.

There was an article in the local paper this week about whether one should have to live in the ward they are running in.  Im not sure who or what prompted this article to be written, but I am not sure it did anything to better educate the average reader. It gave a 'pro' point of view (from someone who is running where they live), and a 'con' viewpoint (from guess who - someone running where they dont live).  Yes, I do I expect more.  The article also suggested that those that file nomination papers are not required to give voters enough information about themselves through this application form. Seems to me someone with an agenda wanted this article written, but I think most that read it would agree it fell pretty flat.

Dont get me wrong, I do think that on top of a number of key values, characteristics, skills, etc, having someone who resides right in the neighbourhood is the 'icing on the cake'.  My issue is that there are a whole list of other things that voters MAY  feel are even more important for them to know than their home address. Here are some I like to know:

- WHY is that person running? Really, why? (and please dont say that you want to get on council to 'give back to the community', because that answer insulting to anyone who takes the time to think.

- Absolutely I do want to know 'why this ward' if someone does not live there.  The candidate should be able to answer this, and if they can (ie -historical reason), great!  I would love to see a candidate say that they are running in ward x because they think it will be an easier win for them.  Stay tuned  :)

- What 'connection' does that person have to the area, the people they seek to represent?  This is a way stronger tie than 'an address' in my opinion.

- Do they need employment?  Is the salary and short commute what draws them to the position? I want someone who already has a great job, but is 'willing' to leave it.

- More than what ward they live in now, I want to know if they are committed to the community.

- What are their roots here?  Personally, I always lean to someone  who has so many strong foundations that they know they cant afford to screw up :).  I am kidding, but I remember the thing that motivated me the most was this mental picture of my friends parents from the old neighbourhood, sipping their coffee, reading their morning paper, discussing whether 'little casey cosgrove' was doing a good job on their behalf.  That was real pressure!  

- Has this person simply burst on the scene, joined every committee possible, built profile, all with the intention of running for office (you can usually see this by a very crammed resume all within a few years).  These people often do not have staying power. These people are the animals I am least drawn to.

- Is this person just interested in holding some office, any office?  Yes, folks, there are the cynics that see the same names on different signs who want to make some sense of this.

I would love to hear what else people want to know of the people running??

Elections are about more than just issues.   I do think voters want to know more about the 'people' that seek to represent them. I think we would all agree that the 'best candidate' does not always come out on top in an election process that sees just over 30% of  eligible voters make it to the polls, but it doesnt mean you cant begin to think about, and talk about the things that you would like to see present in the person that is 'going to bat for you' at the municipal level.

FLEX your VOTE Burlington,Ontario

Welcome to my first official post on a blog called 'Will Burlington VOTE in 2010?

I am a rookie, so the look and layout will improve as we go.  Why have I decided to write a blog on the subject?  Is it sleep deprivation? Do I just need a life?  Perhaps, but please humour me for at least one post.  Here are a few of the reasons that I wanted to do this:

• As a lifetime resident of Burlington, I have grown to care and love Burlington more and more as I raise my family here.
• I see a city where the balance of those that are 'engaged', and those that are 'disengaged' is not where we would like it to be. 
• I am very interested in the coming election- I think it is a critical one for our city.
• I think much of what we read about the issues (and candidates ) in the 'usual' places and by the 'usual suspects' is not fully thought out, doesnt take into account the average Burlingtonian who doesnt live, breathe, and eat local politics. 
• I believe that the right to vote is a wonderful thing, and that exercising that right can indeed feel quite 'good', immensely satisfying.
• 'Telling' people to vote is NOT enough.  I think when people become engaged, and have a stake, they will vote, but I completely 'get' why many people I talk to, know, and respect could not care less about voting in  municipal election.  Yes, folks, it is true - many just do not care. Id like to help change that in some way. 
• We want to see more than 16% (2003), and 34% (2006) determine the direction and leadership of this terrific city.

So what could possibly have convinced me that I am the right person, some sort of expert that can provide commentary on local politics?  Well, its a blog, and as we know, any moron can blog :)

As someone who is fairly familiar with the scene (but has never been too close), I think I may be able to promote some discussion, bring some questions, insight, commentary on some issues and candidates in a less 'packaged' and generic way that will appeal to the average voter who wants to vote (but does not always do so), and who just wants to know why they should care, and is looking for a reason to do so.

I suspect that this blog will appeal less to those running, or already 'decided', perhaps 'loyal' to a candidate, or already engaged  in the political process somehow.  My entire goal in doing this is to hear from a range of people  that by reading a few posts here, they made the decision NOT TO BE one of the 65% that dosnt FLEX their VOTE in 2010.  Id like to see 1,000 more Burlingtonians vote because of this effort (one has to have goals!)

So what exactly will I do on the blog?  It will be a work in progress, but here is the initial plan.

1. I will write short blurbs on topics (ie- money and elections, musical candidates, ward size and distribution, etc).
2. I will make some observations about what we see happening in the various ward races.
3. I will ask open, tough questions.
4. I will share opinion, and not hide behind others opinions. It is a blog. 
5. I will comment on what I see happening day-to day in the election - candidates and issues.
6. I will strive not to make comments, judgements about things or candidates that I do not know.  
7. Of course,  I will be dry, a smart-ass, somewhat cynical, and humorous.
8. I will try to be creative, and engage as many 'habitual' non-voters (HNV's)  :) as possible.
9. I will always try to blog about what I am hearing is of interest (to the target reader).
10. I will always try to come back to the positive. 

I hope you enjoy.  You have my word  - if this BLOG is a train -wreck, its as easy as hitting one delete button and disappearing until after October 25th!  If you are not in the spirit (gosh, its only august 10th), I hope you get there by September 10th.

flex your vote,
casey c.