INSIDE AURORA: Too much of a good thing?

October 29, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Scott Johnston

Can one have too much of good thing?
I’m sure each of us could think of some personal favourites like money, fame, hugs or chocolate for which it’s hard to imagine the words “too much” would apply.
But when it comes to the number of candidates for this year’s Aurora municipal election, this may be the case.
Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s terrific that so many civic-minded folks have come forward with the best intentions of the Town at heart. That’s definitely a good thing.
But with 28 potential councillor candidates to choose from, it makes it difficult to narrow it down to eight or less. Which is bad.
Looking for someone who promises to keep an eye on the budget and taxes, or who will promote controlled development, and green space?
Well, based on their literature and sound bites over the past few months, that narrows it down to about 28 of the 28 candidates.
Even if your preferences are more focused, like only wanting to vote for people who will personally wave to you from the Council float at the upcoming Santa Claus parade, there’s a good chance that over half of the candidates have already promised that at some point or other over this lengthy campaign.
Because even though this election seems to have started back before the first cell tower was erected in Town, there just hasn’t been enough time for the average voter to find out enough about the platforms, commitments and character of 28 different people.
The result of this embarrassment of riches is that apart from the political junkies out there, or the relatives of the candidates, which come to think of it, are probably a good chunk of our population, many people aren’t even bothering to make the effort to find out about the choices.
Sadly, this may result in, if it’s even possible, an even lower voter turnout than we usually get at municipal election time.
This, of course, doesn’t bode well for anyone interested in reducing the size of council or adopting a ward system, two questions on the ballot that will require at least a 25% increase in voters over the number that turned out four years ago, plus a majority in favour on top of that.
Fortunately, the same “too much of a good thing” challenge doesn’t apply to the candidates for Mayor. With just two to choose from, it’s easier to get a grasp of who they are what they stand for.
Or maybe it could just come down to whether you feel a vision for Aurora should extend to 2030 or 2031.
As for the councillor options, for those of you who don’t want to spend this week-end feeling like you’re back in school cramming for some last-minute exam, remember that you don’t have to cast all eight of your potential at large votes.