Good governance starts with you

When citizens vote for an elected official, they hope to elect a person that represents their interests. 

However, many people don’t pay attention to certain elected positions. Municipal elections have the poorest electoral turnout of all government levels, with voter attendance often below 35 per cent. Yet, municipal politics affect citizens the most when it comes to their day-to-day lives, especially when determining local services, programs, policies and taxes.

The Town of Richmond Hill’s council meetings include the mayor, the spokesperson and a presiding officer. Two regional councillors  represent the community locally and at the Regional Municipality of York. Finally, six ward councillors represent specific areas of the town.

Together, they work to establish policies, create services and programs, approve the annual budget, monitor management activities and appoint committee positions.

The administration, on the other hand, provides professional expertise and is responsible for implementing policies, services and programs approved by council.

Holding public office is a privilege that should not be taken for granted.

It is a position of trust granted by the electorate with an expectation that officials conduct themselves with professionalism and respect.

However, good governance cannot be imposed by legislation or force; rather, it is dependant on the character of those who govern.

Becoming more informed will help citizens select candidates that demonstrate the diligence to govern in the best interest of the community in the 2014 municipal elections.

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