From Queen’s Park by Sylvia Jones MPP — Make sure you get out to vote in Monday’s municipal elections

October 24, 2014 · 0 Comments

The lawn signs are up, the brochures have been arriving daily in our mailboxes and at the door, and the advertising is in all the newspapers.
Candidates looking for your support in the upcoming municipal election are working hard to convince you they want your vote Oct. 27.
There is an old saying that if you don’t vote, you give up your right to complain. While technically that saying is not accurate; researching the candidates and voting is an important part of the election process.
Municipal council members and the decisions made around the council table have a direct impact on many parts of your life. Who makes those decisions for the next four years will depend on your vote and your commitment to be informed and get involved.
Before you vote, make sure you take the time to find out about the individuals who have signed up as candidates. There are as many candidates as there are reasons why they have entered the race. Take the opportunity to attend the all-candidate debates, visit their web sites and attend meetings that have been organized or contact the candidates directly to ask questions that are important to you.
Your choice Oct. 27 will make a difference in your day-to-day life. Whether it is road maintenance and repair, garbage pick-up and disposal, long-term care facilities and museums, bylaws or your property taxes, municipal councils help shape our neighbourhood and our community.
Make sure your voice is heard in the debate.