The 2014 municipal election is almost upon us. It is very fitting that it follows Remembrance Day by just a few days. Without the sacrifice of many soldiers and civilians in previous wars, which were of no direct benefit to Canada, we would not have the luxury of participating freely and fairly in elections.
Here’s some thoughts on this year’s election.
I sense that many people are in a mood for change, particularly in Langley Township, but also to a lesser degree in the City. The provincial government’s dictum that there will not be a high school built in Willoughby unless Langley School District comes up with a substantial amount of capital funds has served to wake many people up to the shortage of needed services in Willoughby. Construction of new homes by the thousands does not make a community.
While Willoughby is definitely a “work in progress,” having enough school spaces for the children who live there today is essential. It is very hard for incumbents who have supported development in Willoughby to defend the lack of schools, particularly as they have no say on their financing.
Whether this awareness of the shortage of services will affect voter turnout is a big question. Historically, people in Willoughby have not voted in very great numbers. Maybe this is the election where that will change.
The Willoughby school issue is also a factor in the board of education election, although virtually all trustee candidates realize that a high school there must get the go-ahead as soon as possible.
The other big factor in the Township elections is the Brookswood-Fernridge OCP. The proposed plan infuriated residents of the community in the spring, with many only findout about it very late in the game. While that is not unusual, the intensity of the reaction was.
All members of council, except Mayor Jack Froese and Councillor Grant Ward, saw the lack of community support and voted against it. But will Brookswood and Fernridge residents who were angry actually get out and vote? The usual Township turnout rate of 18 to 25 per cent is appalling, and hugely favours incumbents. No incumbent councillor has lost since 2002.
In the City, with no incumbent mayor, there is a vigorous three-way race underway. Acting mayor Ted Schaffer is challenged by Randy Caine, who knows the issues and has a well-organized campaign, and Ray Lewis, who is pushing the hot-button crime issue — the top issue in the City.
There are three open seats on council, and many excellent reasons to vote in the City, which had a 21 per cent tturnout in 2011.
Hopefully, voters will select candidates from a variety of perspectives to sit on all three local bodies.
I applaud Triple A Senior Housing for issuing a challenge to the Township and City, to see which community can increase their voter turnout the most. That’s a challenge worth taking.
The Times has plenty of information for prospective voters on our website, including videos from candidates’ meetings and debates. There are also questions and answers from candidates. Advance polls are open on Wednesday, and polls are open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.