Former municipal politician gives his thoughts on upcoming election

There are very few basic qualifications to be able to run for office in a municipal election.  

If they meet the few qualifications anybody can run and there is no test to see if they know anything about being on council.  

We all should know what they will be able to bring to the table.  What is the real reason that they are running for municipal office?  

Do they know anything about the Municipal Act, the Drainage Act or any other act from the upper levels of government that will restrict what they can and cannot do on council?

It is a tough job and it takes a lot of time away from your family, but it can be rewarding as they try to make our municipality better.

I have spent 24 years in municipal government, and I know what it is all about.

When you are considering who to vote for, you should have done your homework and know in your mind who will be best suited for the job. 

Some people first get elected because they have a lot of friends who will help them get elected. Are they really qualified? 

Others are well known and people know the name. More important than that, we should be better informed about each candidate.

What do you think that they can do at managing a multi-million dollar budget?

This is not a requirement but do they have any background in budgeting, planning, construction, engineering, running a  business or are they the type of person who can quickly learn some of these important areas? 

Do you think that they are the type of person who will do their own research, ask tough questions and do what is best for our town?

Once a person is elected, at every meeting they will be required to make decisions on subjects that they have never dealt with before. This is true for people who have spent years on council. There will always be something new coming up.

We will need more than somebody occupying a chair.  Will this person that I am voting for be able to contribute and be able to make informed decisions?

I hope that I have prompted you to think about all of this.

—Carl Gibb

Amherstburg

Former municipal politician gives his thoughts on upcoming election