MORE DEMOCRACY? LESS DEMOCRACY?
By Heather Brooks-Hill
What impact has the new provincial legislation, that mandates four year terms for municipal councils, on the democracy deficit in our townships?
Some argue that the extra year added to the term of office allows councils to accomplish more, and remain focused on their electoral mandate, for three years instead of spending the last year of three preparing for the next election. Others say that the extension of time simply increases, accentuates and perpetuates the possibility of errors and omissions for an additional year.
I would argue that the divesting of responsibility at the federal level, and the trickle down effect of downloading from federal to provincial to municipal, has placed an unprecedented challenge on local municipal politicians. This challenge is often beyond their imagination and capabilities. Perhaps it isn’t even appropriate that local municipalities, with modest compensation for elected members and lack of specialized expertise within the civil service, be so invested with the future of our children, the environment and the well-being of our largely-senior population.
To quote from the Globe & Mail (G&M) P. A27 May 3/06: “....Fewer, less frequent local elections will serve only the interests of politicians seeking to delay their accountability to voters...Our democracy will be the weaker for it.” This author agrees.
Where does this leave us today? With municipal elections looming and the busy summer almost upon us, do we as citizens have the political will to be informed, to run in, or work on, an election that would result in a responsible council with a vision for the next four years and beyond? A vision for sustainable development, a healthy and prosperous environment, and a safe and happy place to call home?
Can we anticipate, for example, that the Township of North Kawartha’s Apsley, the far-flung villages and hamlets, the glorious woods, lakes and rocks will be in good hands for the next electoral term 2006 - 2010? Can we ensure the peace and tranquility of the fields and farms and wetlands of Douro-Dummer? The rugged landscape of H-G-C? The charm of S-E-L? The future of the County of Peterborough? That is up to all of us!
For more information about the upcoming election, how to file to run, call your township office. Township staff will explain the rules and how to register before the deadline September 28/06.
By Heather Brooks-Hill
What impact has the new provincial legislation, that mandates four year terms for municipal councils, on the democracy deficit in our townships?
Some argue that the extra year added to the term of office allows councils to accomplish more, and remain focused on their electoral mandate, for three years instead of spending the last year of three preparing for the next election. Others say that the extension of time simply increases, accentuates and perpetuates the possibility of errors and omissions for an additional year.
I would argue that the divesting of responsibility at the federal level, and the trickle down effect of downloading from federal to provincial to municipal, has placed an unprecedented challenge on local municipal politicians. This challenge is often beyond their imagination and capabilities. Perhaps it isn’t even appropriate that local municipalities, with modest compensation for elected members and lack of specialized expertise within the civil service, be so invested with the future of our children, the environment and the well-being of our largely-senior population.
To quote from the Globe & Mail (G&M) P. A27 May 3/06: “....Fewer, less frequent local elections will serve only the interests of politicians seeking to delay their accountability to voters...Our democracy will be the weaker for it.” This author agrees.
Where does this leave us today? With municipal elections looming and the busy summer almost upon us, do we as citizens have the political will to be informed, to run in, or work on, an election that would result in a responsible council with a vision for the next four years and beyond? A vision for sustainable development, a healthy and prosperous environment, and a safe and happy place to call home?
Can we anticipate, for example, that the Township of North Kawartha’s Apsley, the far-flung villages and hamlets, the glorious woods, lakes and rocks will be in good hands for the next electoral term 2006 - 2010? Can we ensure the peace and tranquility of the fields and farms and wetlands of Douro-Dummer? The rugged landscape of H-G-C? The charm of S-E-L? The future of the County of Peterborough? That is up to all of us!
For more information about the upcoming election, how to file to run, call your township office. Township staff will explain the rules and how to register before the deadline September 28/06.
Jane & Alice (Photo by Keri McLean)
by Alice Liberty
My Sister My Friend
Chance made us Sisters
Hearts made us Friends
After a five year courageous fight with breast cancer I lost my sister and friend, Jane to Breast Cancer. She lived her life of 66 years to the fullest doing things she loved: her art, dancing and gardening. She will be sadly missed. My family and I would like to thank everyone for the cards with their words of encouragement, love and support in our time of loss. One day we “HOPE” a cure will be found for Breast Cancer. September 30th, we have our CIBC Breast Cancer Walk here in Apsley. Lindsay Tucker, Jane’s great niece makes beautiful “Garden Stones for Hope”. At $5.00 each all proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Walk. They can be purchased at Jack Lake Landscape or phone me at 656-4525. Please open your hearts and pocketbooks. Jane’s enthusiasm for life must be carried on.
Up The Burleigh Road
…..beyond the boulders.
An illustrated history of Burleigh and Anstruther Townships by the Burleigh Road Historical Society is being written by Doug and Mary Lavery and produced by Trent Valley Archives. Prepublication price is $20.00 for this quality hard cover book which is full of vintage information and photographs. After May 2006 the price will be $30.00 for the book. Order your copy of this fascinating book through Burleigh Road Historical Society Apsley or at the Library.
Editors Note: Everyone involved deserves a big hand for their hard work, what a huge project it must have been.