I’m sure I’ve written 10 columns more or less like this one over the years, but I can’t help myself when elections loom.
I still think they’re important. You cannot whine about democracy’s issues when you do not vote.
This time, it’s the municipal elections coming up in Saskatchewan on Oct. 24. Mark it down, and here is why.
Municipalities are crucial organisms, regardless of their size, although of course their clout rises along with population. This has been well understood since the time of ancient Greece. I’m told that one of the first things taught today in political science is the importance of the city state (or town or village or rural municipality) and its power over everybody’s quality of life.
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There are certain jurisdictions that are taken care of by the federal and provincial governments, such as health care, education and highway transportation. The rest of it more or less falls to the municipal government.
Without it, you could not pick up the phone and call the local police.
You could not drive down a street in the winter after a snowstorm. Admittedly, you can’t anyway, which some consider a significant failing of municipal policy.
You could not drive down any street without local maintenance.
You could not breathe in your yard due to the stench of piling, rotting garbage.
If there’s a building fire, all you can do is stand around and watch it burn to the ground.
Municipal governments also take huge responsibility for economic development, health care and social interaction. They push for businesses to locate in their regions, and sometimes come up with creative tax policy to attract them.
They come up with innovative ways of attracting health care professionals. They build rinks and community centres and parks with barbecues and swing sets.
If that doesn’t add up to quality of life, nothing does. Therefore, voting for your municipal politicians is at least as important as voting for your provincial or federal representative.
So when it seems like a small thing to get out on Oct. 24 and mark the ballot (except in Nipawin, Sask., where mayor and council have been acclaimed), don’t you believe it.
We all need the best possible local councils. Our quality lives depend on it.
