Waiting for…something
In our provincial capital, mayor David Miller decided he wasn’t going to run for re-election in the 2010 municipal vote. And he told everyone.
Here in Windsor, Mayor Eddie Francis decided to limit himself to two terms when he got elected in 2003. He isn’t telling anyone whether or not he is going to run in 2010, using the “lame duck” excuse.
So, what happens when there is an open dialogue in a city and elected decision makers are upfront with their constituents? Well, it appears a mayoral race can start early with credible candidates and everything! As reported in the Toronto Sun, last night five candidates for mayor of Toronto “sparred” over a rail link in a debate! This probably wouldn’t have happened this early in the game if David Miller decided not to tell anyone about his decision not to run.
So, what do we get in Windsor? With a mayor that continues chasing the photo ops instead of letting us move forward with choosing new leadership, we have a lacklustre list of candidates filled with unknown names and perennial also-rans. Out of everyone listed, I see one name I recognise and would vote for, with most other ridings with no declared candidates at all!
So what are we waiting for?
Is it any wonder Windsorites get disenchanted?
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i’m not sure i agree with the idea that early ‘debates’ and a long campaign makes for a better selection process. debates and such public displays of policy really create a weak foundation for getting to know a candidate. a prospective councilor can’t really weigh in too much on agendas and issues that are currently in front of council because they lack all the real facts and background that is needed to confront an issue and make a TRULY informed decision. when candidates make statements of policy and display strong stances on major catch phrase issues, it’s mostly for effect and posturing. all candidates should be open to represent their constituents and make decisions as issues come up and on an individual unique basis. people should be looking to get to know the candidate on an individual level and believing that person can and will make a decision that best represents their constituents. there is plenty of time still to get to know many of those yet to throw their hat in the ring. it will be fun once it does really start full force.
From our ever-studious news editor Mark Bradley…
Longer campaigns seem to cost more and though it might bring about earlier debates I am sure wards could have and should have, dedicated debates anyway. I’m not sure why they went away in the first place?
I believe that Windsorites are disenfranchised because when we are brought into the mix our views are ignored anyway (5 year plan anyone??). So many people view that they shouldn’t even bother.
Yes Chris H. What are you waiting for?
2014
The point being, lacklustre or not, no-names or not, since we’ve both run on the federal level, and I on the municipal, we both know at one point in time we were (or still are) no-names, or may even be considered “lack-lustre” which is a little subjective.
On the positive side, we have two young mayoral candidates and a handful of other candidates, who may run every election, still add to the debate - which is important because incumbents are prone to non-debate.
To each peson who registers - I say congratulations.
Insofar as no-names - they all are, and everyone is at one point. I know nothing of any of the candidates, save for Mr. Chams.
I’ll be very curious to hear what these other candidates have to say, offer or positions on some of the more contentious issues such as economic development; border infrastrucutre, labour relations, municipal spending and taxation.
My own personal interest - democractic reform, which may not be an issue to many, but I’m interested in seeing how candidates will improve this.
I for one am voting for the Bacon Man.
I’ll spoil my ballot before that clown gets my vote.
Flight or fight? Let that be the question.
After this last’s week city council meeting over day care and rudeness and abruptness in that cold final decision and the coming fallout and almost everything else has come to past in the last year with this mayor and council, I am seriously thinking that when I retire from the Windsor Public Library, of leaving this city for good and moving to Kingsville and live somewhere in the core.
I may not like the sprawling suburban towns around Windsor but I am coming to think that better governance being demonstrated by them, is the main factor that I can live with.
I will still be in this city when the municipal election happens this year, the outcome of this election will determine and weigh heavily on my decision to leave or stay.
If Edgar (aka Eddie) decides to run for mayor again, going against his previous statement of not running for a third term, then one box has been ticked off for leaving. The pomposity, the arrogance, the manipulation and the be all to end all attitude of this man is just unbelievable in a democratic society. He is not transparent, he is not trusting, he would throw his own mother under the truck if he had to, to get what he wants!
Should I stay or should I go? It depends.