I have spent more than half a century researching, writing, and teaching about local government and believe strongly in its importance – but I am not at all surprised by the lack of participation. Serving on a municipal council has always been a rather thankless task, with local residents quick to complain. In my experience, this has especially been the case in small and rural municipalities where members of council are well known and readily accessible. I remember when a good friend, head of a local council, was awakened by a phone call in the middle of the night. An irate resident was angry that a neighbour’s dog was barking and disturbing his sleep. My friend wondered what he was supposed to do about this issue at that late hour. “Well, if I can’t sleep, neither should you,” was the response of the caller.
That attitude, that a councillor should always be on call or on duty, is now widely held. According to a fairly recent report from the AMCTO, councillors were paid less than $20,000 annually in about two-thirds of municipalities. But in an age of social media, they can be contacted 24/7, with the expectation that a prompt response will be forthcoming.
But there seems to have been a significant shift in recent years to one of increasing disrespect for the office and those who hold it – a trend evident at all levels of government. That shift has been accompanied by numerous stories of elected representatives being threatened, stalked, and followed to their homes – leaving them fearful for their safety and that of their families.
Have those who constantly attack politicians ever stopped to consider what we would do without them. How would we decide who governs? Should we simply award seats to the loudest voices or those with the most followers on social media? Should we dispense with elections entirely and have the civil servants make all the decisions? Neither of these alternatives are at all acceptable.
It is not at all surprising that we have fewer candidates and more acclamations. What is surprising – and gratifying – is the number of people who still have the courage and the sense of civic responsibility to stand for office. Without our elected representatives, we would not have a democracy, however imperfect it may be. The candidates have done their part and it is now your turn. Get involved, consider your choices, and cast your vote. Please do your part to ensure a healthy local democracy.