One election down and there could soon be another election soon?
The provincial election just concluded with Premier Doug Ford and his PC government returning to power, including the re-election of Anthony Leardi here in the riding of Essex.
Now, there are increasing rumblings there could be a federal election sooner rather than later. With Mark Carney assuming the top spot in the Liberal Party, talk is he could soon call an election.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind waiting for another one.
Regardless of what the polls say, who is in front, who is surging, who it would benefit and what strategy is behind the election call, I’d like to take some time without having to worry about an election.
Let things simmer down a bit and then call one, but maybe that’s just me. Maybe it’s because I’ve covered a bunch of elections now, but I don’t have the enthusiasm for one election call so soon after we just wrapped up a different one.
I am not saying this through any political lens nor does it have anything to do with any specific party, candidate or leader. I wouldn’t mind taking a bit of a break between elections, that’s all.
Of course, none of the folks involved will listen to me, nor should they. They are going to do what they think is best.
I fully support democracy, getting involved in the political process, studying the real issues and voting. I will always advocate for people to vote in any election, regardless of the level of government. If you want to have a voice, do so at the ballot box. Just because I would prefer a little bit more time between elections doesn’t mean I think people should be less engaged – quite the opposite, actually.
At any rate, I’m sure we’ll have our second election before we know it. There won’t be three, though, as the municipal election is not until next year.
Business licensing
The issue of business licensing will be returning soon to the town council table. I know it will be another hot button issue, as it has been when it came before council in the past.
While I understand the town wanting to manage risk and keep consumers safe and protected, I still see why business owners are concerned.
I’ve listened during the previous debates, but I keep coming back to businesses saying they are already inspected by other agencies. If the town feels that business licenses are necessary, there needs to be a compelling argument made as to what is being done and why. There have been explanations offered in the past, but I can see why there still is concern among business owners and managers.
I do recognize the town has streamlined the process and cut down on the amount of licenses that businesses may need, so that is a good thing that they have listened in that regard.
An administrative report that appeared on the economic development committee agenda earlier this year stated “While health units or specific agencies may handle enforcement, the Town is tasked with maintaining public welfare and overseeing the implementation of policies that directly affect its residents. Without local oversight, there could be gaps in enforcement or areas where the broader entities may not have the resources to fully monitor every situation.”
Business owners counter they are inspected enough and pay enough fees for such inspections.
Small business is key to the health of any community and they have to be listened to and anything that may impact them has to be explained thoroughly. It can be tough for small businesses to navigate economic conditions, so any changes to their bottom line have to be proven to them they are necessary.
Phone book coming soon
On a more light-hearted note, we are wrapping up this year’s RTT Phone Book and they should be available in the coming weeks. Thanks to all those who called or e-mailed in their changes, as we always try to put out the most accurate, up-to-date phone book we can. Yes, there will be listings that we may have missed, but we depend on the community to let us know what to put in and what to take out.
I remember my early newspaper days and cross-referencing phone books to try and ensure numbers were accurate. I may have strained my eyes a bit in those days reading all that fine print, but I got through it.
These days, we have younger eyes doing that so I don’t have to get my eyes more tired than they already are.
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