25% vote; 100% bear the consequences

It's an intriguing experience, this political thing.
If you're reading this column, you probably already know that I am a candidate for the position of Mayor of Wilmot Township in the 2010 municipal election. I announced my intentions a couple of weeks ago, and the response has been very interesting.
(If you're not reading this column.... no, that won't work. Never mind).
A lot of people have contacted me since the announcement, mostly folks I have encountered on the street or in the grocery store or at a local restaurant.
I've been very impressed that at least half have not only congratulated me ­-- which is quite premature, unless the congratulations are for being brave and/or foolish enough to run, in which case, thank you ­-- but have also offered to help in the campaign.
Some, of course, simply say, "So, you're running..." and then look down at an imaginary speck on the sidewalk, so I suspect they are not among my most ardent supporters. This response, too, is to be expected.
What I didn't expect is the level of engagement of a lot of people, this early on. The nomination period is open, but the election doesn't take place until October 25. That's a geological age away, in political terms.
None the less, many people are engaged and eager to participate.
This is tremendous. One of the reasons I am running is because I believe that municipal government is where most of the things happen that affect our daily lives.
Of course, the feds make important decisions --­ or don't, in the case of a lengthy prorogation ­-- and so do our provincial leaders. They do things that impact us every day, from instituting the HST to funding community facilities.
But it's at the municipal level that we feel the impact, most regularly. If you doubt that, imagine discovering your garbage at the end of your driveway, two days after it was supposed to be picked up. Think about what would happen if your taps no longer produced water, or your toilet no longer flushed; if huge sinkholes in your street were left un-repaired, or a rendering plant opened in the middle of your subdivision.
These are all municipal concerns, at the township and/or regional level. These things matter.
Listen when you are having coffee with some friends --­ many of the complaints will be about all things municipal. Delays in getting approval from the GRCA? Your mayor is your only rep on that board. Electricity bills? Your mayor is your only rep on that board. Limited hours at your library? Your mayor.... this is becoming needlessly repetitive. The point is, our municipal representatives have a lot to do with how we live on a day to day basis.
I'm going on about this, this week --­ and no, this will not be my weekly column topic, I assure you --­ because many people still don't really know who does what, when it comes to supplying services to the people of our communities.
Odds are good, if you raise an issue, the trail will lead right to municipal or regional council. Part of my goal (in addition to the "get elected" part) is to inform as many people as possible about the importance of our township council and regional council.
But what I am celebrating, these days, is the number of people who do know, who do care, and who are eager to get involved.
As this campaign unfolds, if you are one of these, I encourage you to go beyond urging support for individual candidates. Talk to your friends and neighbours about the roles and responsibilities of municipal governments. Encourage them to get involved.
Only about 25% of voters participate in municipal elections. But 100% of voters are impacted by their results.
Get involved. Thus endeth the lesson.