Following the non-stop spin cycle leading up to this spring’s provincial election, voters could be forgiven for wanting to pull the covers over their heads and tune out with some binge-watching on Netflix.
Turns out, however, that politics is ubiquitously in the offing.
This month, for instance, marks one year until the next municipal election.
As time marches forward, that is likely to become more and more apparent.
Already there are signs. Speeches in certain council chambers – which may have been confined to a few off-the-cuff remarks normally – have ramped up as of late.
Soon, usually sparsely populated public galleries are likely to get busier, as those considering a run at public office realize it’s a good idea to get up to speed on local issues.
A new civic political party was recently launched in North Vancouver.
All of which means it’s time to start paying attention.
Maybe you’re civic minded and have ideas about how to improve your community. If so, it’s not too early to get your ducks in a row. Politics, even at the local level, is more marathon race than 100-metre sprint.
Citizens, meanwhile, would do well to start tracking votes around the council tables. Actions always speak louder than words.
We’ll also wait with bated breath for the provincial government to make good on badly needed campaign finance reform for municipal elections.
A long winter’s nap can be tempting. But a healthy democracy needs us to pay attention.
So hit the snooze button for five minutes if you must. But don’t plan on hiding out from local politics for long.
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