WHY YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Many of us have found ourselves debating rising taxes, utility fees, permit fees, budgets, grants, and costs of all kinds. They can be confusing and others just make no sense at all. They are simply numbers and figures but are quite decisive regarding our future and the quality of life we can expect.Until the 2016 Census, the population of LSAC was 10260 and the number of voters was 5665 (as per information provided by LSAC). As such any petition submitted to the minister is required to be supported by a minimum of 20 % of the population - 2052 signatures( of valid voting status ).
There are another set of 'numbers' that, while of the utmost importance in October 2013, seem to have lost all significance. They are, however, quite interesting.
According to the "2013 Election Results" :
A total of 1705 votes were cast. That equals 30.10% of the voters and 16.62% of the population of LSAC. Of those - 845 votes were cast for the candidates who currently sit on LSAC council.
Three of the current council were elected by acclamation (so received zero votes).
14.92% of the voters and 8.24% of the population.
Our current council is now comprised of only five members , three of those were acclaimed and the other two account for a total of 325 votes.
The important matters and finances of our county are currently being decided and controlled by 5.74% of voters and 3.17% of the population.
It is important to note that of the Seven Members elected to council in 2013, Five were Incumbents.
Considering the first motion for the new office building was passed within weeks of the election, along with a long list of management increases, new positions and consultant contracts, clearly the path set for this county was planned long before the election. It is interesting that there was never any public discussion prior to the election. These important issues were ignored, dismissed or completely down played by most, if not all, of our incumbents during their campaigns.
Our current 'Mayor ' was not an incumbent and had no prior experience on council. His 120 votes account for 2.12% of the total voters and 0 .12 % of the population. The appalling disrespect he has shown towards ratepayers, time and again, has been an embarrassing display of arrogance and misplaced confidence. His comments have fueled already contentious issues. He was not voted into this important position (essentially as the public face and voice of this County) but was selected and voted into this power by his fellow council members.
Why is all of this interesting? It puts into perspective the process and requirements of an election as opposed to a petition. Both are parts of what we like to refer to as 'Democratic' Process. Sometimes it doesn't seem to add up that way.
Apparently more than 2500 Voters Means Nothing .... But 845 Votes Have Defined the Future of this County!
This only highlights the importance of having Ratepayers not only commit to running as a Candidate for Election but to Show Up at the Polls and VOTE!
We Cannot Afford (LITERALLY) to Be
Complacent or Apathetic
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