For those paying attention, the municipal election has not really been one that is about 'the issues' per se. With the exception of the newest controversy (the wind turbine at Walmart), there has been general agreement on most major issues (ie - finish the pier, work better together, engage citizens, save green space). Yet, there are still a number of interesting characters, stories, sidebars in play that are worth discussion. You will find my take 'on' these things below:
on election signs...why is it some candidates cant follow the rules. I know its hard to get support at the doors for your signs, but if you cant follow that simple rule now....
on facing an incumbent....they will likely do well in the sign war, but DONT GIVE UP. Every door is a possible vote. In my ward, the incumbent has a LOT of signs now, but for every house with a sign, there are 20 without - think about that. I think people feel more strongly about incumbents (one way or the other), so signs are easier for them to get.
on voting turnout...Im still not ultra-hopeful, but I hope we can see 40% turnout. Is that unrealistic? Sad, but perhaps it is. This election has not been a divisive or nasty one, or one that the residents of Burlington as a whole are clamoring to get to the ballots for...
on leadership.... most overused word in the election. I teach leadership at U of G, and Im not sure I even know what it means any more.
on social media...great way for candidates to stay in touch with each other, with their loyal followers, but there is a long way to go to use it as a way to engage the unengaged. I think the candidates websites with video probably have had more effect. Hats off to the candidates who have explored and integrated a wide range of social media (facebook and twitter, etc) into their campaign (Rick, Carol, Shannon, Cory, Brian, Christopher, Marianne, Bryna). Many candidates have done one or the other.
on 'online voting'...kudos to the City. I thought it was easy, well explained, clear (except the end date). We need to acknowledge a job well done - lets hope there is a small spike in turnout....
on the CM poll..its fun, but lets not get too silly here writing press releases based on the results. Its family and friends voting for the most part, and even more, family and friends who have access to a computer. My guess is MANY of the hard core voters in Burlington (found mostly along the strip south of the QEW) dont use a computer. remember, these are the folks that have determined every Burlington election since I was a child. Why? because they actually vote.
on election signs....candidates should be forced to get out there now and clean up the boulevards......
on the Pier.....I was waiting for a candidate to just say 'lets get everyone with a pick-up truck in Ward 2 to meet at Spencer Smith Saturday night and we will haul that eyesore right out of there'. That hasnt happened yet :)
on living north of the QEW....where many of our friends, hockey families, many of Burlingtons newcomers live - IF YOU VOTE, you will have a considerable effect on this election...
on Trustees....I wish more people cared. The ones that do, really do, but I have especially noticed this helping my lovely wife with her campaign this year. Trustees seem to be an afterthought, but as a taxpayer, look where the bulk of our $$ goes...
winning the election...I still think a key tactic was to work HARD HARD HARD to get out the new voter. if you look at the platforms of most candidates for mayor, I still think they were going primarily for the 'typical' Burlington voter - a safe stance. Their advisors are probably cynical and are telling them not to waste too much time on a group of people that wont vote anyway. Easy for me to say, but someday someone will awaken the non-voter (like Obama did)
on election signs...best sign in town? I say Heagles is the sharpest. I also like Goldrings, Jacksons, Bedinis, Gillies, Meed Wards.
on mistakes....We are still waiting for the one major gaffe that can happen in the last few weeks of a campaign....:) Someone will do something stupid, maybe accuse someone of something. Perhaps new information will be revealed - someone not paying their taxes....maybe a huge new issue could pop up...something, anything to add some life to this election so that Burlingtonians will vote.
We are in the home stretch - On October 25th - PLEASE VOTE!!!
I agree about the rules... however what is the penalty for putting signs on vacant lots and corners without permission from the landowners?
ReplyDeleteI believe there is none aside from littering. As long as they remove it after I am sure they are fine.
I noticed a huge sign directly outside the casino gates here in Barrie... that guy was thinking. Lots of retired people that habitually vote there! And the farmer that owns the property won't even know.
It would be great to have local controversy--however it is typically a popularity contest with more emphasis placed on initial impact of the name... "Bryna Cosgrove"... she sounds nice... I think I will vote for her for trustee.
Just my theory.
L
:) thanks Larry. Yes, In Burlington we have bylaws about placing signs anywhere but on private property (boulevards, etc). Seems to me that the folks that are really struggling cant help themselves - they need visibility, and dont care. Oakville interestingly is different - you got the cash? Plunk down as many as you want anywhere..Its all about who can order the most signs :)
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