Assessing municipal government

The great thing about a democracy is that if you aren’t happy with how things are going, you always have the opportunity to do something about it – either through your vote or by standing for nomination and running for election.

Municipal and school board elections are set for October 18 and election machinery has been in gear since March to make sure the process is fair and on the up-and-up. It’s a lot of work for municipal governments but it seems the public isn’t always eager to exercise their right to mark that X.

If you don’t vote you have no right to complain.

In Annapolis County there will be four council elections – in the county itself, and in Annapolis Royal, Bridgetown, and Middleton.

The things voters need to look for when considering who they should elect are really very simple.

Open and transparent government would be on the top of the list. If electors feel they have not been getting the straight goods from their council or individual councilors, that would suggest the openness isn’t there. If information seems to be unavailable or discussions aren’t public, that would indicate lack of transparency. With lack of openness and transparency, residents must ask why they should continue to have any confidence in their elected officials.

Granted, voters could do a lot more to keep themselves up to speed. Council meetings are open to the public, as are committee of the whole meetings – although you might want to bring a book while you wait out in-camera sessions. Minutes of meetings are available on municipal websites, and if they only go back a few months, residents can ask for earlier minutes which are not subject to freedom of information applications or fees.

Councilors themselves must ask if they wish to be part of a government that isn’t open and transparent. They have the option of questioning their colleagues, voicing their opinions, and informing the public if they see council conducting itself in any fashion other than that dictated by the Municipal Government Act, conflict of interest laws, and privacy rules. To do otherwise is to condone wrongdoing.

The upcoming elections are the perfect opportunity for residents and elected officials alike to reflect on the past four years and question if things could have been done better.

For voters it means paying close attention once nominations close, asked the pointed questions, become informed on issues, decide what are the issues, and vote as informed citizens.

It means those running must be able to demonstrate that there is no self-interest in securing a seat at the council table – other than the well-being of their town or of the county. Incumbents must prove their track records and, like newcomers to the ballot, must show that their interests and objectives are the same as the citizens.

As often stated, municipal government is the closest to the people, is the easiest to access, has the biggest immediate impact on the lives of citizens, and is the least scrutinized. An effective municipal government works towards a socially and economically vibrant community, embracing all residents regardless of age, income, or capacity. If you see your council in that light, you may not want to change a thing. If you see that leadership lacking, you are the only one who can do something about it.