But the critical importance of municipal government is that it provides the best opportunity for citizens to participate in the exercise of democracy. Especially in the smaller municipalities which are still in the majority in Ontario, it is relatively easy for local residents and ratepayers to know who their councillors are and to understand the local issues relating to an upcoming election. It is likely that most voters would not feel informed on the intricacies of the latest free trade agreement reached by the federal government or the appropriateness of the Ontario Government’s plans for distributing cannabis under its newly legalized regime, but few would hesitate to offer views on the quality of local garbage pick-up, snow-plowing, recreational programs, or the pace and nature of development within their municipal borders. It is at the local level that interested citizens are best able to evaluate the performance of their elected representatives, consider the merits of the candidates offering themselves for election, and choose representatives who will make decisions that reflect, or at least respond to, the views and concerns of those local citizens.
Your Vote Is Needed
This year’s municipal elections in Ontario are especially important. Democracy is at risk because of an increasingly cynical and disillusioned public, growing polarization in public debate, and the rise of extremists on both sides of the political spectrum. On October 22nd, those concerned about the preservation of a healthy democracy should be sure to vote and should choose candidates who offer the best promise of governing with integrity, moderation, and devotion to the public interest.