Please vote

I want to give you good reasons for voting in the local elections November 19.

First, the closer to home (the more local) political involvement, the more likely things will get done in your community. At the federal level, politics are painted with broad brush strokes. Here, in you city, you can affect what happens right in your community.

But you can't do it if you don't vote.

It's so sad that only 30 percent of the population voted in the last municipal election.

Let me tell you what happens. Those who are running want to be elected and in large part they concoct a plan that will appeal to those who vote. Who votes? Generally home owners, business people and definitely older people. If you want your voice to be heard, you have to vote. You have to look at candidates who take your needs and wants into consideration and vote.

Sometimes I wish we had election laws like Australia where you *have to* vote. The country enacted that law because when the population was small it would have been too easy for one fringe group to hijack an election. We're in danger of that happening right here. We have one group in particular that is very vocal about supported housing and is asking each candidate where he or she stands.

Don't let them control the vote.

A vote is a very powerful tool. It's yours. It does no good if you leave it on the shelf. Please vote. Inform yourself of where the candidates stand and make an informed choice. Do it no matter who you are - young or old - no matter where you live - north or south - we all have one vote. We all are equally powerful.

I was reminded of that today when I dropped some food off at Occupy Nanaimo - these people are powerful - every one of them. And, by the way, kudos to the city for the porta-potties and for the support. I opened an account today at the Credit Union. One more step in putting my money where my mouth is.