By Tempo Staff
Get out and vote on November 2
Municipal elections usually draw far fewer voters than provincial or federal contests. Yet it is at the local level that government decisions most directly touch our daily lives. The state of our streets, parks and beach, the recreational and sports programs offered, the vitality of cultural facilities, the aesthetics and safety of our neighbourhoods—all are shaped by the choices made at the municipal council table.
On November 2, let’s treat municipal elections as a top priority.
The elections are an opportunity to vote for people who we think can build the kind of community we want for ourselves and future generations. Civic engagement does not end at the ballot box, but voting is the most powerful way to ensure our priorities are heard.
When we participate in municipal elections, we are not only casting a ballot but also influencing the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. Engaged residents push for safe sidewalks and trails, vibrant sports programs, accessible cultural spaces and clean water. They advocate for better road management, architectural aesthetics and landscaping, and community values. They insist on responsible, efficient government and high-quality services. The more we speak up and vote, the more responsive councils become.
While there have been positive changes in recent years, there is still lots of room for improvement in how the Town of Brome Lake, Brome, West Bolton, East Bolton and St-Etienne are run. As Tempo goes to press, the only mayoralty race is in Town of Brome Lake where four candidates are vying for the mayor’s job – Lee Patterson, Shelley Judge, Alan Gauthier and Benoit Bourgon. In other towns, at this point, it looks like most mayors and councillors will be acclaimed.
Most residents believe that elected leaderships’ vision for development, and the management of growth, bylaws and services need to improve significantly.
On November 2, get out and vote for those people who you think can best achieve that. Democracy thrives when local voices are heard – loudly, clearly, and often.
Have a healthy, safe Halloween
There’s a bite in the air and the leaves are turning. Halloween can’t be far away!
While this spooky time has morphed into something of a festival for all ages, it’s important to focus on the traditional appeal it brings to children. Kids continue to revel in trick or treating, dressing up as their favourite superhero or the fairy godmother – or perhaps just the old standby, the ghost outfit created from an old sheet with eyeholes.
While everyone – young and old alike – still love those mini chocolate bars, sweet “treats” have evolved to some extent away from the high sugar dose of previous generations. The prime concern is of medical problems caused by excess sugar, even at a young age, and of course child obesity. But other issues to consider are food allergies, sensitivities to colour dyes, and of course dental and orthodontic problems.
Alternative treats could come in the form of small objects: Halloween bracelets, light-up rings, eye-finger puppets, nail stickers, glow critters, plastic spiders, miniature rubber ducks, skeleton hand pens, lucky trolls, party glowsticks, colouring books, theme stickers, temporary tattoos, themed bookmarks. Check out Dollarama, Wal-Mart and online.
Then there are safety concerns. The federal government’s Home Safety website (canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/halloween-safety.html#a2) offers tips on costumes, caution when carving pumpkins and decorating, keeping safe on dark streets, and the need to check out what the kids bring home from trick or treating.
Take all this into consideration – but get out into the fresh air and enjoy!