Everyone looks for something different when they cast their vote, and you can do all the research you need in one single place in Belleville tonight.
The Belleville Chamber of Commerce is hosting what they are calling a Municipal Candidates Forum tonight at the Empire Theatre.
Doors open at 6, Ward One candidates take centre stage at 7, and the Mayor Candidates Debate runs from 8 to 9 pm.
As someone who has covered many elections at all three levels and ran (unsuccessfully) in one, there are things that I definitely look for before giving someone my vote.
First and foremost, I want to see someone who really wants the job. You need enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and vision to withstand the onslaught of negativity that you will sometimes face as an elected representative.
Beyond that, I want a solid understanding of financial issues. I expect tax dollars to be respected and spent wisely while also investing in key projects and areas and acknowledging the importance of city workers and emergency responders who make the city run and keep us safe.
I am immediately suspicious of anyone who makes a big, sweeping promise without any details on how to pay for it or knowledge of the agencies involved or the hurdles they will face.
There are no easy solutions. Even quick fixes are usually wrong.
Council work isn’t glamorous. It’s time-consuming, incredibly detailed and fiscally challenging to put everything in place to enable businesses to thrive, people to get from point A to point B, and deal with everything from essential services and garbage pickup to attracting doctors, investment and new industries.
You need vision, a willingness to listen, thick skin and an ability to build consensus and communicate effectively. Some people just like that will be at the Empire tonight, ready to earn your vote on October 26th.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
