Gauging the Response
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At the time of writing this (August 18, 2009) 11 councillors have completed the questionnaire and another 8 have accessed it but not completed it. (Most of these didn't get past the first page.)
Eleven out of 62 is roughly what I would have expected at this point (15 months prior to the election on Nov 8, 2010).
Politics is a balancing act between the public who think that politicians should make commitments and then follow them through to the letter and the politicians who, by nature, prefer to keep their options open.
This questionnaire is intended to pin them down, at least to the point of expressing their preferences. As a result, there is a natural reluctance to be pinned down. Many, no doubt, are hoping it will just go away, and our job is to make sure it doesn't.
They all know that come election time, they will have to answer many questionnaires from special interest groups, so the only thing different about this one is that it is so far ahead of the election cycle.
All councillors who have not completed it are getting reminders roughly every 2 to 3 weeks and each reminder yields a couple of more responses.
There are other factors as well:
- Some at least will be waiting to see how their colleagues have answered the questions before they commit themselves
- There are probably 10-15% of the current councillors who will not run in the next election. They may know this already but do not want to tip their hand yet, but in the meantime see little point in filling out our questionnaire.
- There are clearly some councillors who realize that a questionnaire on the environment is unlikely to cast them in a good light - better to ignore it and hope it goes away.
Councillors? If I can prove you are a liar, will you resign?
To all Clarington Councillors:
If I can prove you are a liar, will you resign? Yes or No Question? The truth will come out. I know if people voted for me for Mayor, they will get someone with a backbone. Having someone who will listen and express a voice to their constituents and actually take action means everything.
As a victim of environmental toxins and someone with a disability, people and families will be a number priority who have children or loved ones who have a disability that are linked to environment toxins.
Children and families with Autism, Diabetes, immune diseases, cancer and respiratory illnesses please pay attention. New programs and funding will be delivered if elected.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and freedom and I intend to deliver that message to the people of Clarington. An issue that has been neglected for a very long time!!
We will not go away.
Democracy is about debate. Give you constituents the opportunity to agree or disagree with your views. I know if I was elected to office I would personally like to know what the people who elected me to office want me to do for them. So please do it by filling out questionnaire.
Thanks you